Stories

Dr. Ruth Davis, Engineering’s Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Professor in Computer Science and Engineering, emerges as a luminary in the field of engineering education, her dedication to inclusivity, innovation, and academic excellence reshaping the foundations of Santa Clara University’s School of Engineering. As Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, her 21-year tenure epitomizes an unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and educational innovation, heralding a transformative era in the institution's engineering curriculum. Through pioneering initiatives and visionary leadership, weaving Jesuit values into the educational fabric, and fostering an environment where engineering thrives, Dr. Davis will be leaving an indelible mark as she steps down as Associate Dean at the end of this academic year.

Dr. Davis’ tenure exemplifies her unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and educational innovation. She spearheaded initiatives like the Women in Engineering & STEM Dinner and the Women’s Reception for Preview Day, driving significant progress in boosting the presence of female engineering students. The Women in Engineering Dinner, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary, provides a platform for women engineers across various disciplines to connect and support one another, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity. Dr. Davis’ advocacy expands to include diversity and inclusion on a broader scale within her role. She helped to start and has been a long-standing supporter of the School’s Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) now in its 35th year and the recipient of both the 2022 and 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. 

Dr. Davis’ impact extends beyond strengthening the community into expanding the classroom experience; she actively restructured staff positions to better meet the needs of a diverse student body and led a school-wide initiative to reimagine the undergraduate curriculum. Her efforts, driven by a commitment to SCU’s Jesuit values, aimed to develop engineering leaders with competence, conscience, and compassion, addressing the changing needs of society. Her innovative approach to engineering excellence is prevalent with her revamping the ENGR 1 Course into a thematic, hands-on lab format, departing from the traditional one-hour lecture. This transformation not only enriched the learning experience but also fostered inclusivity, catering to diverse learning styles and backgrounds.

Her initiatives, notably recognizing her exceptional contributions, were honored with the President’s Special Recognition Award by SCU's President, Julie Sullivan, this past year, and in 2020, Dr. Davis received the Society of Women Engineers Distinguished Engineering Educator Award. 

"Dr. Davis exemplifies SCU’s dedication to education of the whole person through her commitment to student success, advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and passion to promote engineering education!" — Dean Elaine Scott

As Dr. Davis’ tenure as engineering’s Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies comes to an end, she leaves behind a legacy of diversity, inclusion, and educational innovation. Her transformative initiatives, institutional leadership, and pioneering teaching methodologies have made an indelible mark on the School of Engineering and the wider engineering community. Dr. Davis’ influence promises to continue shaping the future of engineering education, ensuring that her dedication to excellence and equity resonates for many generations to come.