Michele Manuel, U. S. Steel Dean of Engineering

To our Swanson School community, 

I am elated to welcome all of you to a new academic year! The Swanson School is an engaged and thriving community, committed to producing the next generation of scholars, teachers, and researchers, as well as transformational innovation and global recognition. As dean, it’s thrilling to see our community come together and hit the ground running, and I’m very thankful for your individual contributions. The Swanson School’s senior leadership and I look forward to another exceptional year of growth, successes, and grand challenges.

This year the Swanson School welcomes one of its largest first-year classes. As of opening convocation, approximately 778 first-year students join us from 31 states and 12 countries. Furthermore, despite the economic headwinds, we enjoyed a great year in research and philanthropy. Our research expenditures eclipsed $63.4 million, while $12.5 million was raised to support scholarships, programs, and facilities.

Lastly, we have been drafting the Swanson School’s first strategic plan in several years. With the contributions of senior leadership as well as insight from internal and external audiences, our goal is to present the plan’s first iteration this fall. I ask you for your continued support in the months ahead because the plan’s ultimate success will require school-wide engagement and support.

While the start of each academic year brings with it a spirit of excitement with a dash of trepidation balanced by a hope for greater things, our success relies greatly on everyone’s contributions and commitment to success. I welcome our newest students, faculty, and staff to help us drive toward excellence. Hail to Pitt!

Sincerely,
Michele V. Manuel, PhD
U. S. Steel Dean of Engineering
American Society of Metals, Fellow
National Academy of Engineering, Member