Stories

At the end of its 112th year, the School of Engineering will say a somber farewell to its very first woman leader, Dean Elaine Scott, as she steps down from her role as dean and takes her first-ever, much-deserved, sabbatical on her way to retirement. During her five-year tenure, the School was able to survive through a time of uncertainty, growing along the way in the number of students, faculty, donations, programs, and research funds. Under her leadership, the School was recognized as a leader in inclusivity, contributing to increased diversity and growth in the School’s student body and faculty. Dean Elaine Scott's journey to lead the School of Engineering has been characterized by her commitment to engineering excellence and building an inclusive community. As we approach the end of her tenure, we reflect on the profound influence she has had on the School.

Before coming to Santa Clara University (SCU) in August of 2019, Dean Scott already had an illustrious career in higher education. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agriculture Engineering from the University of California, Davis and holds two doctoral degrees in Agriculture Engineering and in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, where she was among one of the first women to receive an engineering doctorate at the institution. Dean Scott has held faculty positions at Michigan State, Virginia Tech, the University of Utah, Seattle Pacific University, and the University of Washington Bothell. During her time at Virginia Tech, Dean Scott was a leader in founding the Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, where she was appointed its first director. Before she arrived at SCU, Dean Scott was the founding dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at UW Bothell for seven years. Dean Scott’s proven track record and experience made her the top candidate to become the next SCU School of Engineering’s dean.

Just about half-way into her first year at SCU, Dean Scott’s leadership was put to the test as everyone around the world started to face the effects of the pandemic. With only a day’s notice, the campus moved to a virtual format for classes and events. Under her guidance, the School was able to navigate a smooth transition into remote learning and working. Upon returning to on-campus instruction a year later, the School was faced with yet another challenge with the School’s relocation and opening of the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation. Dean Scott’s leadership and ability to pivot helped the School overcome these challenges that came on so early in her tenure. 

Despite these early tests of leadership, Dean Scott led an agenda that aimed to enhance the School’s educational offerings, student experiences, and foster a more inclusive community. Her commitment to keeping the curriculum relevant is demonstrated with the addition of several new graduate programs. In order to help support students through their educational careers, she formed a partnership with Mentor Collective, facilitating meaningful relationships for students with alumni/ae mentors who are truly invested in their success. She worked diligently and successfully increased funding for graduate student assistants. Dean Scott created the engineering Faculty and Staff Councils and worked with them to develop the School’s iCare Values–a code of conduct that outlines our behavior in fulfilling our values. Perhaps most notably, her vision for a more inclusive and equitable engineering community led to the creation of five new engineering scholarships aimed at providing an accessible education. She also supported the formation of DISC, the Diversity and Inclusion Student Center in STEM, along with the creation of two DEI focused staff and faculty positions.

Dean Scott not only reshaped the School's cultural and academic landscape with her initiatives, but also spurred growth in several key areas.

“Dean Scott is dedicated to creating a more diverse population of engineering professionals, and this is evident in our increased percentage of women engineering students,” explains Dr. Laura Doyle, Director of Assessment and Special Projects and of Frugal Innovation Hub, and Lecturer in Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Department, “this was only possible because Dean Scott committed to supporting the hiring and growth of women faculty.”

Over the course of her tenure, the School has experienced a significant increase in undergraduate engineering enrollment, including hitting a record breaking 36% of first-year women engineering students. Tenure and tenure-track faculty lines have also had a steady increase, with women engineering faculty growing from 34% to 37%. Another area of growth has been in fundraising, with the School seeing a major increase in the number of donations and total donation dollars, experiencing record-breaking Day of Giving totals and engagement for the past three years.

Through her notable actions, initiatives, and record numbers, Dean Elaine Scott leaves behind a legacy at the School of Engineering. She will be remembered not only for being the first woman dean at an institution that is well into its second century, but also for her resilience and her ability to pivot in times of uncertainty, her compassionate nature, and for her exceptional leadership. As the School of Engineering embarks on a new chapter, it carries forward the principles and values of Dean Scott that will continue to inspire innovation, inclusivity, and excellence for future generations of engineers and leaders.