A Campbell University dean will soon receive a high honor for her innovation. 

Dr. Jenna Carpenter, founding dean of the School of Engineering at Campbell, will be awarded the 2022 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education from the National Academy of Engineering. The organization will also recognize Grand Challenge Scholars Program pioneers Thomas Katsouleas, Richard Miller and Yannis Yortsos.

“The NAE is honored to recognize Carpenter, Katsouleas, Miller and Yortsos for their tremendous impact on engineering education through the Grand Challenges Scholars Program,” said Anderson. “This groundbreaking program has changed the way students approach learning about engineering and its value to society. Without the vision, hard work, and dedication of these educators the GCSP would not have had the impact it has on the way we educate our students.”

The $500,000 award is given “for creating an innovative education program that prepares students to become future engineering leaders who will address the NAE Grand Challenges of Engineering,” according to NAE President John Anderson.

Carpenter is the president-elect of the American Society for Engineering Education and will become the president in June. 

“The Grand Challenge Scholars Program not only helps provide students with 21st century skill sets, but also motivates them to help solve the grand challenges of engineering facing our world today,” Carpenter said. “I am very grateful to the National Academy and to the Bernard M. Gordon Prize Selection Committee for recognizing our efforts to establish and advance the GCSP.”

GCSP has grown to be in over 90 engineering schools since its launch. 

She also is “an expert on issues impacting the success of women in STEM and on innovative STEM curricula,” the Campbell press release said. 

Her national leadership roles over the years include: president of Women in Engineering Proactive Network, the first vice president of Mathematical Association of America and chair of the MAA Council on the Profession, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Women in the Mathematical Sciences, chair of the  National Academies Ad Hoc Committee for the Gulf Scholars Program, and chair of the National Steering Committee for the Grand Challenges Scholars Program.