Message from the Dean
GREETINGS! It’s hard to believe that more than a year has passed since I stepped onto the campus of Baylor University as the dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. The past year has been a journey of discovery and learning, experiencing the rich history and traditions of the University and engaging with talented students, remarkable faculty, dedicated staff and passionate supporters of our School.
The year also has been incredibly rewarding, as we made outstanding progress toward realizing the new vision for ECS adopted recently: Advancing as a premier school of engineering and computer science in research and education with a commitment to Christian values. The corresponding three-part mission, an extension of the Baylor mission, guides what we do every day with clarity and purpose: educate and train technical leaders with a Christian worldview, discover new knowledge for worldwide impact, and engage communities through scholarship and service.
A natural part of our growth is strengthening and broadening our degree programs. We introduced three new academic degree programs in the past year: a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering and bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity and computer engineering. Looking ahead, we are preparing to launch a master’s program in materials science and engineering and a bachelor’s program in aerospace engineering in 2025.
This fall, we experienced an increase of more than 20% in the size of our incoming freshman class — a reflection of the growing reputation of our program and demand for the unique Baylor ECS experience. Our graduates continue to excel, with a 93.6% placement rate within six months of their graduation, a result of hard-working students and caring faculty and staff who work collaboratively to provide valuable internships and research experiences and to bring employers to our campus.
The School’s research capacity also has seen impressive growth, with external research funding increasing by more than 30% each year for the past three years, with materials engineering, wireless systems and cybersecurity leading the way. Our faculty’s significant work on ethical AI, photonics, computing, materials engineering, environmental solutions and medical advancements underscores the societal impact of our research. It also aligns with our commitment to integrating faith with technology. I invite you to learn more about the six signature research areas our faculty are pursuing at ecs. baylor.edu/ research.
The University announced a new strategic plan in last fall. In it, ECS is well-positioned to heavily contribute to Baylor’s future through support of the University’s commitments to equip students to flourish, broaden interdisciplinary research, build a vibrant, caring global community and demonstrate Christian stewardship.
Baylor ECS is poised for tremendous growth in impact and service in our community, the state of Texas and the world. With your sustaining support, Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science will continue to advance as a leader in engineering and computer science. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
Gratefully,
Daniel Pack, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Engineering and Computer Science