Director of engineering technology and commonwealth engineering redefined
Expanded role to provide strategic direction for current and future engineering programs and professional programs for Commonwealth Campuses
8/7/2020
By Samantha Chavanic
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — To continue to enhance the robust relationship between Penn State’s College of Engineering and the University’s array of engineering programs across its Commonwealth Campuses, the college recently redefined its director of engineering technology and commonwealth engineering (ETCE) position located within the School of Engineering Design, Technology, and Professional Programs (SEDTAPP).
Ivan Esparragoza, current director of ETCE, will continue to serve in the role.
As ETCE director, Esparragoza coordinates engineering technology and engineering programs offered at the campuses of the University College and under the College of Engineering; serves as the liaison for engineering technology and engineering programs offered at other colleges, including Abington, Altoona and Berks; manages the ETCE budget; and organizes meetings at Penn State’s University Park campus for engineering faculty at the Commonwealth Campuses.
The restructured role will continue to fulfill these responsibilities, as well as take on the additional responsibility of providing strategic direction for Commonwealth Campus programs and offerings in support of the One Penn State 2025 initiative.
“The College of Engineering has always had a strong connection to engineering programs offered at the campuses, and this enhanced role for the ETCE director will increase that engagement,” said Sven Bilén, head of SEDTAPP and professor of engineering design, electrical engineering and aerospace engineering. “We anticipate continued growth in engineering programs across the commonwealth and are pleased to have such an effective leader as Ivan to ensure their success.”
In the newly expanded directorship, Esparragoza will serve as a consultant for new engineering and engineering technology programs created for Commonwealth Campuses; will work with Robin Havens Tate, director of professional programs outreach, and the Continuing Education officers at the campus locations to identify additional program offerings for professionals; and will promote program synergies across campuses and the sharing of resources.
Esparragoza will also serve as the liaison for engineering programs offered at the campuses of the University College and shared with the College of Engineering. New programs in this sphere are currently being developed and reviewed. His liaison role will also expand to serve additional engineering technology and engineering programs offered at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College; and Penn State Harrisburg.
“The expanded responsibilities will provide a great opportunity to work collaboratively, complementary and in a coordinated manner with other colleges in advancing the engineering and engineering technology programs across the Commonwealth Campuses,” Esparragoza said. “Additionally, the restructured position will provide strategic direction as the One Penn State 2025 initiative is implemented across the University. Its implementation will have an important impact on the current and future engineering programs, professional programs and students in the University.”
Albert Lozano-Nieto, professor of electrical engineering technology and mathematics at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, will serve as discipline coordinator, a position created to directly support the engineering faculty under the University College.
The One Penn State 2025 initiative, which represents Penn State’s fluid, personalized and collaborative environment regardless of a student, faculty or staff member’s physical location, will greatly impact ETCE by creating additional opportunities across the University.
“Cohesive collaboration in engineering education across Penn State is one of our top priorities,” said Justin Schwartz, Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of Engineering. “The restructuring of ETCE further strengthens the already strong partnerships across the College of Engineering, the Commonwealth Campuses and all engineering faculty and students.”
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As ETCE director, Ivan Esparragoza will provide strategic direction for current and future engineering programs and professional programs for Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses. IMAGE: PENN STATE
