Dear Santa Clara Community,

I am pleased to share that Santa Clara University has appointed Kendra V. Sharp as the next Dean of the School of Engineering, effective March 2025. Following an extensive national search, Dr. Sharp’s selection reflects her exceptional leadership in engineering and her commitment to global engagement. 

Dr. Sharp currently serves as the head of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Office of International Science and Engineering, where she works to enhance global research collaborations and opportunities in science diplomacy. Her prior experience includes serving as the Senior Adviser for Global Affairs at Oregon State University and founding OSU’s Humanitarian Engineering Program.

Dr. Sharp’s experience and background as a teacher-scholar and humanitarian-focused leader uniquely qualifies her to guide and inspire the School of Engineering during this period of incredible faculty and student growth. She will oversee the School of Engineering in shaping a visionary future aligned with our Impact 2030 strategic plan. She also will focus on fostering a community rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging while strengthening research, graduate education, and undergraduate programs.

Sharp earned her bachelor of science in aerospace engineering and her doctoral degree in theoretical and applied mechanics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She completed a master’s of philosophy in engineering at Churchill College, Cambridge University, and a master’s of engineering in mechanical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. 

You can find more information about her background in the press release.

The University is grateful for Dean Elaine Scott’s leadership of the School of Engineering these past five years. I am personally thankful for her guidance during my transition to Santa Clara.  

As Dean Sharp completes her appointment at NSF, Professor Chris Kitts who holds appointments as a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, the William and Janice Terry Professor, and the Associate Dean for Interdisciplinary Programs, has graciously agreed to serve as interim dean. Chris is a gifted scholar, talented researcher, and exceptional teacher who provides students with meaningful experiential opportunities in and outside of the classroom. After this interim appointment, Chris will continue to serve the Office of the Provost as a senior advisor on research and external partnerships.

Finally, I want to extend my appreciation to the following community members who served on the search committee:   

Shoba Krishnan, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (Co-Chair)
Daniel Press, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (Co-Chair)
Behnam Dezfouli, Associate Professor, Computer Science and Engineering
Tim Haley, University Trustee
Jes Kuczenski, Senior Lecturer, General Engineering 
Jim Lyons, Vice President, University Relations
Ed Maurer, Professor, Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering
Allan Báez Morales, Director of Programs, Frugal Innovation Hub
Maya Murphy, Junior, Electrical and Computer Engineering Major
Andy Wolfe, Lecturer, Electrical Engineering

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Sharp to Santa Clara. I’m confident her leadership will drive innovation and inspire our engineering students to build a more just, humane, and sustainable world.

Sincerely,

James M. Glaser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Professor of Political Science