Dean’s Message

A dean approaches his first commencement

Dear alumni and friends of the Case School of Engineering,

Spring is always an exciting time of year for those of us in higher education, but this spring is particularly exciting for me. In a few short weeks, I’ll attend my first commencement ceremonies as the Charles H. Phipps Dean of the Case School of Engineering, where I’ll have the privilege of watching an extraordinary group of newly minted engineers receive their degrees. I can think of no better way to mark my first six months at Case Western Reserve.

When I arrived on campus last September, I knew I was coming to a special place. In the last six months, I have developed an even deeper appreciation for—and pride in—the quality of our educational programs, particularly our dedication to our undergraduate program. I can watch these students cross the stage this spring, confident that we have prepared them to impress in the next stages of their engineering careers. There is no more satisfying feeling for an educator.

As proud as I am of our soon-to-be graduates, I’m even more excited for the students who will follow them. The sincere care we have taken with our undergraduate program is the foundation on which we will build an even better student experience through a collection of ambitious new initiatives. We are also looking to extend these efforts to the graduate student experience and expand our research efforts.

We are as committed to constant innovation in our classrooms and curriculum as we are dedicated to discoveries in our labs. This drive is part of what drew me to the Case School of Engineering, and it continues to make me proud to be part of this community.

I have developed an even deeper appreciation for—and pride in—the quality of our educational programs, particularly our dedication to our undergraduate program.

Best Regards, Venkataramanan “Ragu” Balakrishnan Charles H. Phipps Dean, Case School of Engineering