蘑菇短视频launches engineering discovery program with new director Gretchen Dietz
Gretchen Dietz working with students in an introductory engineering class
By Teresa Tate
Upbeat music plays as students walk into an introductory engineering class with Western Carolina University faculty member Gretchen Dietz, who smiles as she checks in with students: 鈥淗ow鈥檚 everyone doing? Any fun facts to share? Today, we are 3D CAD modeling. Does anyone already know how? Let鈥檚 use this knowledge to help your classmates and learn from each other!鈥�
Such is the lively, supportive learning community that Dietz cultivates in her classes and brings to her role as director of Engineering Discovery, a new program at WCU. Engineering Discovery will feature innovative programs that holistically support students and build community within WCU鈥檚 College of Engineering and Technology. It will also offer outreach and recruiting events for all ages to build excitement for the field of engineering and engineering opportunities at WCU.
"Engineering is about solving problems and making a difference in the world, and I am excited to launch the Engineering Discovery program at 蘑菇短视频to support every student who wants to do that,鈥� Dietz said. 鈥淚 want to build enthusiasm for engineering in our community and be a light for students coming into engineering to help them see that they belong and they can succeed.鈥�
Originally from East Liverpool, Ohio, Dietz earned a doctorate in environmental engineering sciences with a certificate in engineering education from the University of Florida, and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in civil engineering with a minor in mathematics from the University of Mount Union in Ohio.
Before joining 蘑菇短视频this spring, Dietz served as an assistant professor of teaching at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she also worked with first-year development, recruitment and outreach.
Dietz is already making an impact at 蘑菇短视频through teaching the first-year engineering course while also planning and hosting Engineering Discovery outreach events and preparing future programs. Beginning this fall, Engineering Discovery will introduce an expanded common first-year experience for new students, where students do not need to declare a major upon initial enrollment and can spend their first year engaged in career and major exploration. Through assessments and activities, students will get to know each other, explore how their unique interests and strengths align with engineering and technology degrees and career paths, and become familiar with WCU鈥檚 advising, mentoring and support services. In addition, students will engage with WCU鈥檚 industry partners to explore real-world experiences and take part in student organizations and club events.
"We want our students to feel a sense of belonging and have a clear direction for their education and future careers," Dietz said.
The Engineering Discovery program is part of WCU's broader efforts to expand engineering to meet the growing demand for engineers and technologists. The North Carolina Legislature funded $95.3 million for a new 蘑菇短视频engineering building, slated to open in 2028, and $3.5 million in recurring funding to expand engineering programs and create new ones. The college has already added new degree concentrations and is hiring additional faculty and staff.
Randy Collins, dean of WCU's College of Engineering and Technology, emphasized that this is a transformative time for the college and that the Engineering Discovery program plays a vital role in WCU鈥檚 efforts to expand engineering.
"We are excited to see the Engineering Discovery program come together under Gretchen's leadership," Collins said. 鈥淗er energy, passion and dedication to student success will create a dynamic and supportive environment where our growing community of future engineers at 蘑菇短视频will thrive."
