Steve Barrett Appointed Associate Dean of Engineering and Applied Science

August 30, 2010 — Incoming Associate Dean Dr. Steve Barrett was welcomed to the Dean’s Office and began his associate dean responsibilities on July 1. Dr. Barrett will work closely with Dean Ettema in stewarding the College undergraduate programs. His areas of expertise include image processing, medical laser applications, and embedded controllers. He earned a B.S. in electronic engineering technology (1979) at the University of Nebraska, an M.S. degree in electrical engineering at the University of Idaho (1986), and a Ph.D. at the University of Texas (1993). Former Associate Deans Dr. Richard J. Schmidt, Dr. David Whitman, and Dr. Andy Hansen were also honored by the College for their services in that capacity. Dr. Schmidt served as associate dean from 2005-2010 and Dr. Whitman served as associate dean from 1989-2005. Dr. Hansen served as associate dean of graduate programs and research until 2009. Dr. Schmidt will continue working with the Engineers Without Borders (EWB-WYO) students during their project in Kenya and will be on sabbatical next year in Pforzheim, Germany.

Associate Dean Steve Barrett, Dick Schmidt, Andy Hansen, David Whitman, and Dean Rob Ettema

“I am committed to our College’s strong legacy of quality and personal undergraduate education,” says Barrett. “I am excited to join the Center for Student Services team which includes Susan McCormack, Lindy Johnson, and Ryan Kobbe, I am committed to continuing the “student first” approach and joining this dedicated group of professionals who care deeply about students and their welfare.”

Steve is a registered Professional Engineer in Wyoming and Colorado and acts as a consultant developing control hardware for U.L. approved entry access points. He has integrated discussions of licensure, practice and robust design into his coursework and is a strong advocate for professional licensure at the national level. His areas of expertise include image processing, medical laser applications, and embedded controllers. He continues to excel in and out of the classroom and has been recognized as a Mortar Board Outstanding Academic Adviser. He regularly publishes articles in the engineering education literature on improving teaching and learning, and also teaches in UW's Engineering Summer Program for high school juniors.

Recipient of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Engineering Education Excellence Award in 2008, Barrett also received the President's Award from the Rocky Mountain Bioengineering Symposium, Inc. in 2007, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Wyoming Professor of the Year in 2004, and the UW John P. Ellbogen Meritorious Classroom Teaching Award in 2004.

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