The Jim and Ellen King Dean of Engineering and Computing at the University of New Mexico (UNM) can now add the title of first vice president of scholarship for the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) to her impressive list of accomplishments.
The feat is a major milestone for Donna Riley, who believes that it puts a much needed spotlight on furthering information within the field of engineering, according to a news release issued from the school.
“The creation of this position recognizes the growing importance of engineering education research,” Riley said.
She was picked as the inaugural vice president of scholarship for the ASEE at the organization’s 2023 expo in Baltimore. Riley will spearhead ASEE's Scholarly Publications Committee and be the voice of the organization, as well.
The new position means that Riley will be in charge of raising the organization’s engineering-based scholarships.
“The change was meant to create a strategic focus on this aspect of ASEE’s activities, and my charge will be to lead ASEE’s growth in engineering education scholarship,” Riley said. She added that the ASEE board decided in 2022 to establish a new vice president role fixated on scholarly activities.
Aside from her new role and the Jim and Ellen King Dean of Engineering and Computing at UNM, Riley boasts other impressive engineering achievements. Prior to joining UNM, she served as the head of the School of Engineering Education, the world's first academic unit dedicated to engineering education. Riley is a respected member and fellow of ASEE, focusing her research on engineering education and the integration of ethics, communication and social analysis.
Moreover, she has received prestigious awards for her work, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award in 2005 and the Sterling Olmsted Award from ASEE in 2012.
