Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg today announced she will soon conclude her tenure as dean of Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). Beginning March 1, 2019, Dahlberg will assume the role of vice chancellor and provost at Texas Christian University. An interim dean will be appointed this week to ensure a seamless transition and, in the coming weeks, the University will convene a search committee to help identify the college’s next dean.
Dahlberg became dean of ECS in summer 2015. Under her leadership, the college has enhanced the student experience, expanded its revenue and continued on an upward trajectory.
“As dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Teresa has played a pivotal role in advancing scholarship, resources and opportunity in some of the most competitive disciplinary areas in higher education today,” says Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly. “She has provided critical leadership in our work to enhance the scope, quality and accessibility of STEM education for both students and faculty. And she has fostered a spirit of innovation that drives creative scholarship and positions graduates to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving workplaces and world.”
Dahlberg notes, “I am so pleased with all that we have accomplished in the College of Engineering and Computer Science during my time at SU. I’m incredibly proud and grateful to have served the ECS community and am confident that the faculty, staff, alumni and students will continue to elevate ECS and its positive impact on the world.”
During her tenure, Dahlberg led the creation and implementation of an academic strategic plan, the Transforming Our Future advancement plan and a long-term budget plan. These served as a foundation for many advances in ECS, including a new first-year experience, a new advising model, new scholars cohort programs and the establishment of an Office of Inclusive Excellence.
Perhaps most important, Dahlberg also increased faculty hiring—including 10 faculty lines under the Invest Syracuse Signature Hire program and 16 faculty lines under the Cluster Hire program. She also introduced new online master’s programs in computing and brought the Invent@SU invention accelerator program to Syracuse University. Invent@SU has sparked alumni engagement and led to student innovators winning awards, starting businesses and even receiving funding from venture capitalists.
Additionally, Dahlberg advocated for the construction of the Bill and Penny Allyn Innovation Center and a major renovation of the first floor of Link Hall, which will begin this spring. These modern spaces will house resources—such as an invention launch pad and expanded advising services—to further engage and teach students, and help attract a broad community of aspiring engineers and computer scientists.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, visit syracuse.edu.
