Department Head Welcome

This was a year unlike any other but I am thankful for the dedication of our faculty and staff, the support of our alumni, and the perseverance of our students. We remain committed to providing an excellent experience for the students we serve, while striving to keep everyone healthy and safe.

In the fall, John English transitioned from his role as Dean of the College of Engineering into the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation position. Shortly after, Kim Needy took over as Dean of the college, and is the first female Dean of the College of Engineering! It has been a pleasure to see these two Industrial Engineers in such important leadership roles for our college and university.

Our students continued to thrive despite the challenges brought forth by the pandemic. Each spring, the Arkansas Alumni Association honors 71 seniors with the Seniors of Significance distinction, and this year, two I.E. students made the list! I am extremely proud of Madeline Suellentrop and Conner Waybright for this well-deserved accomplishment! Madeline was also chosen as the Industrial Engineering Outstanding Senior and as the College of Engineering Outstanding Senior. Coleman Warren also had a banner year! He was selected as a Harry S. Truman Scholar, a distinction given to just 62 students from more than 845 applicants from 328 institutions. Along with this, Coleman was also elected as President of the University of Arkansas Associated Student Government.

As you will see throughout this annual review, we are making great strides with regard to research and education. Our Industrial Engineering program is home to just over 210 undergraduates, 45 graduate students, and more than 750 students combined between our Operations Management program, Engineering Management program and Graduate Certificates in Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, and Homeland Security. Decision Day was held virtually this spring and we welcomed 42 new students to the I.E. program. We look forward to being a part of their educational journey to become great industrial engineers! Many of our conferences were held virtually this past year, but our faculty’s accolades were recognized all the same. One of INFORMS most prestigious honors was awarded to Dr. Greg Parnell. The J. Steinhardt Prize is a lifetime achievement award presented for outstanding contributions to Military Operations Research. Dr. Manuel Rossetti and Dr. Chase Rainwater received the Innovations in Education Award at the 2021 IISE Conference. This award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate outstanding creativity in instructional approaches or curriculum organization. Throughout this report, you will read more about our faculty’s research endeavors, awards, and accomplishments.

We are anticipating a great academic year as we continue to forge ahead in our new normal. I hope you enjoy this report and if you are ever in Fayetteville, be sure to stop by to say hello!

All my best,

Edward A. Pohl, Ph.D. Department Head and 21st Century Professor of Industrial Engineering