Summary
We believe we have a crafted a plan that is challenging but achievable. The student and research dollars numbers are predicated on the current faculty size of 10 to 11. Should any of the additional faculty positions become reality, then we would project a further increase in research funding and graduate student enrollment. Likewise, should any of the major equipment pieces become reality, we would expect a related increase in research dollars and also graduate student enrollment (supported by those research dollars).
Although ISE is not a large department in the Ginn College of Engineering, with its long heritage, its disproportionate share of high achieving alumni and its solid national stature among peers, it can contribute significantly to the elevation in rankings of the College. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary orientation and breadth of expertise of the faculty engenders greater integration to College wide research efforts than has been achieved in the past. Finally, as any academic knows, the reputation of a department depends very much on the faculty members. ISE's recent history involves faculty turbulence in retirements and resignations. It is a high priority to retain the current set of faculty members and to recruit new members, when the opportunity arises, who are committed to a long term association with Auburn University.
