Rhonda Young, Ph.D. Outstanding Colleague
The School of Engineering & Applied Science is proud to recognize Rhonda Young, Ph.D. as the SEAS Outstanding Colleague for February. Dr. Young serves as the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs in the School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS), and she is a Professor of Civil Engineering.
Dr. Young was nominated for this distinction by her SEAS colleagues in recognition of her exceptional responsiveness to faculty feedback and her sustained efforts to strengthen faculty support. She organized the first SEAS Teaching Retreat last fall and launched a series of monthly lunchtime gatherings as part of a new SEAS Mentoring Program, creating spaces for faculty to share best practices in course development, first-year student engagement, balancing teaching and research, and Mission integration. She has also advanced departmental mentoring efforts and worked closely with department chairs and SEAS review committees to improve the efficiency and timeliness of RPT processes.
While many of these responsibilities fall within her role as Associate Dean, it is Rhonda’s attitude and deep commitment to Mission that truly set her apart. She consistently supports faculty and staff with professionalism and collegiality, readily stepping in to assume additional responsibilities, including temporarily covering vacant positions, to ensure continuity and smooth transitions, always with a clear focus on student success. She has also played a key role in preparing SEAS programs for the upcoming ABET accreditation review.
Dr. Young ’s impact extends well beyond faculty support. She plays a vital role in recruiting, outreach, and student success, supporting prospective students through Preview events, high school programs, and community engagement; welcoming incoming students through Orientation and First-Year Experience initiatives; and strengthening retention through improved support around math readiness and programs such as Study Abroad. Across all of this work, her commitment is evident, marked by optimism, responsiveness, and a genuine joy in our shared mission.