Auburn Engineering associate dean named ABET fellow for accreditation leadership
Published: Aug 5, 2020 9:09 AM
By Chris Anthony
Associate Dean Jeffrey Fergus has been named a fellow of ABET, the organization that accredits collegiate engineering programs.
Fergus, who oversees Auburn Engineering’s undergraduate studies and program assessment activities, earned the fellow designation “for leadership ensuring high-quality training of program evaluators and team chairs, a smooth transition to the new engineering criteria and laying the foundation for virtual visits within the EAC (Engineering Accreditation Commission),” according to ABET.
“Jeff is very deserving of this recognition for his high level of engagement in ABET’s accreditation activities for 17 years,” said Christopher B. Roberts, dean of engineering. “I am really proud of his leadership contributions on the national level, and beyond, through ABET in ensuring that engineering colleges offer high-quality engineering education that prepares students for the future.”
Fergus began his service to ABET in 2003 as a program evaluator for the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS), which he represented on the EAC beginning in 2008. He subsequently joined the EAC Executive Committee and served as chair of the EAC for the 2019-20 cycle. Fergus also has served as a support and lead facilitator for face-to-face program evaluator training since 2011.
Fergus has served in leadership roles in other professional societies, including serving on the board of directors for TMS and for the Electrochemical Society (ECS). He is a fellow of ECS and served as editor of ECS Transactions from 2013-2020. He also has served as chair of the High Temperature Materials Division of ECS and the Graduate Studies Division of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).
Fergus joined Auburn’s materials engineering faculty in 1992 as an assistant professor and has advanced to the rank of full professor. He has more than 35 years of experience with research in high-temperature and electrochemical application of materials. Before being appointed associate dean for undergraduate studies and program assessment, Fergus served six years as associate dean for graduate studies and program assessment.
Fergus and the other winners will be honored at the 2020 ABET Awards Celebration, which will be held as a virtual event on Oct. 31.
“We are proud to showcase the accomplishments of the 2020 ABET Award recipients,” said Michael K. J. Milligan, ABET executive director and CEO. “This year’s honorees have demonstrated exceptional volunteer commitment, achieved extraordinary success in diversity and made significant contributions to innovations in education. We are inspired by their achievements and dedication.”
Media Contact: , chris.anthony@auburn.edu, 334.844.3447
Jeffrey Fergus