Texas A&M Engineering was ranked as one of the top 10 engineering programs worldwide by the Academic Ranking of World Universities compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
“Global rankings such as this are important because they put an international spotlight on the excellence of our faculty and their research,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “We recognize the importance of engineering in our increasingly technological society and are committed to supporting our faculty as they address the global challenges of tomorrow.”
Just two years ago, the Dwight Look College of Engineering was ranked 22nd in this survey. The 12-place jump to 10th was exceptional. Texas A&M Engineering had the largest ranking increase of any U.S. engineering college in the top 20 since 2013.
“Nowhere has Texas A&M’s advancement – reputational and otherwise – been more apparent in recent years than in our College of Engineering, thanks in large part to the commitment of the Board of Regents and Chancellor Sharp and the leadership of Dr. Katherine Banks, vice chancellor and dean of engineering,” said Michael Young, president of Texas A&M University. “Of particular note is the successful recruitment of a broad spectrum of students and faculty with diverse background. Together we are laying the foundation for even greater enhancements – through both faculty and facilities – that will well serve our students as well as help meet the technological and economic needs of our state and nation – and, yes, the world.”
“To rise from 22nd to 10th in just two years is extraordinary,” said Banks. “This would not have been possible without Chancellor John Sharp and the Texas A&M System Board of Regents’ significant investment in our engineering program and full support of our 25 by 25 initiative.”
Banks attributes the 12-place increase in rankings to the recruitment of top faculty from around the world and the impact of the research generated by the college of engineering’s 413 faculty members. Recruitment of top scholars was made possible through the Chancellor’s Research Initiative, a $150 million fund to recruit world-renowned scholars to elevate the engineering research portfolio. In addition, through the 25 by 25 initiative, 51 new faculty members in targeted research areas were added along with the creation and expansion of several new state-of-the-art research facilities on the College Station campus.
Expansion of the engineering research infrastructure on campus has also transformed Texas A&M Engineering’s research program. New research facilities include the 70,000-square-foot Giesecke Engineering Research Building, which is an integrative research facility focusing on nanofabrication, materials characterization and energy research. Also, the soon-to-be-constructed Centennial Research Building will house research on robotics, advanced manufacturing, logistics and chemical safety. The new Center for Infrastructure Renewal facility, funded in 2015 by the Texas Legislature, will focus on addressing the nation’s aging infrastructure challenges in transportation, electric power, and pipeline safety and security.
“Through investments in our high impact research programs, innovative engineering educational initiatives, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive partnerships with industry, we are building the best engineering program possible,” said Banks.