Introduction
Deborah Besser, PE(CA), is the associate dean of engineering at the University of St. Thomas, where she was instrumental in establishing the civil engineering program as its founding chair. In her capacity as associate dean, she is responsible for overseeing initiatives that enhance the educational experiences of more than 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate engineering students within the College of Engineering. Besser is committed to improving student outcomes through multipronged efforts, including recruitment and retention strategies, study abroad programs, the support of professional student organizations, career development initiatives, undergraduate research opportunities, curriculum innovation, accreditation processes, and the advancement of graduate engineering programs.
Her research interests focus on engineering education, with a particular emphasis on intercultural learning and inclusive pedagogy. Besser has secured research funding from notable organizations including NSF and KEEN. She has significant experience with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), having served as a commissioner, program evaluator, and advisor to engineering faculty in preparation for ABET evaluations. Prior to her academic career, Besser worked as a structural engineering design engineer, specializing in the seismic rehabilitation of transportation structures and the design of complex new bridges.
St. Thomas Courses:
ENGR 100 Introduction to Engineering Design
ENGR 160 Surveying
ENGR 362 Construction & Engineering Economic Analysis
ENGR 271 Roman Structures, Engineering & Society
ENGR 480 & 481 Engineer Design Clinic I & II
EGED 530 Fundamentals of Engineering
EGED 615 Statics, Materials, Structures
TEGR 528 Engineering in the P-12 Classroom
THEO 229/CATH 340 Church & Culture: The Mission of the Engineer