Welcome from the Dean

Welcome to the Conrades School of Engineering at Ohio Wesleyan University!

As the Founding Dean, I'm excited to be building an engineering school at OWU because of the opportunities a liberal arts university offers our students. You can prepare for a career in engineering while continuing to explore the subjects and activities that interest you. I want our students to take full advantage of that experience and discover connections they may not have expected.

That education starts with a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering. OWU's general education Core Competencies help you develop the communication skills and judgment to put that knowledge to use. These courses are not merely checkboxes towards your degree, but an integral part of your engineering education. An engineer needs to be able to explain a design, understand the people who will use it, and consider the consequences of a decision. We want you to bring that same understanding to tools such as artificial intelligence, using them effectively while knowing how to check their results and work through problems independently.

Through the OWU Connection, you can put that learning to work in research, internships, service, and global experiences. I'd encourage you to use these opportunities to explore what interests you, whether that means working with a professor on a research question or applying your skills to a community need. You'll have faculty and advisers helping you along the way, getting to know your goals and supporting you from your first engineering courses through senior design.

I want students from every background to feel welcome here, including those who are just beginning to see themselves as engineers. You'll have support as you learn, and I hope you'll also get involved in the wider OWU community. Join a student organization, take part in music or athletics, and get to know people whose interests are different from your own. Those experiences can help you discover interests you'll carry with you long after graduation.

My goal is for you to leave OWU well prepared for an engineering career or graduate study, with the confidence to keep learning as your interests and the profession change. I invite you to explore our programs and visit campus. I'd be happy to answer your questions and talk more about what we're building here. I look forward to welcoming you to OWU.

Paul E. Slaboch, Ph.D., P.E.
Founding Dean, Conrades School of Engineering
peslaboch@owu.edu