Contact: Robbie Ward
Photo by: Megan Bean
STARKVILLE, Miss.--The former head of Mississippi State's electrical and computer engineering department now is dean of the university's Bagley College of Engineering.
Sarah A. Rajala's appointment officially began June 1. She was approved formally by the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of Higher Learning during its May meeting.
Rajala was named department head in 2006 after having served for more than two decades as a professor and administrator at North Carolina State University. At NCSU, she was associate dean for research and graduate programs, among other duties.
Rajala replaces Kirk Schulz, who now is MSU's vice president of research and economic development.
With research interests in digital-image processing, color-image processing and digital-signal processing, the 1979 Rice University doctoral graduate has authored nearly 200 scientific and research publications. She holds the prestigious rank of Fellow in several engineering organizations and will serve as the 2008-09 president of the Society for Engineering Education.
Peter Rabideau, MSU's provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Rajala's years of experience as an NCSU administrator and MSU department head have prepared her for the new challenge.
"During the interview process, she articulated a strong vision for the future of the college and her leadership ability resonated well with faculty, staff and students," Rabideau said.
Enrolling about 15 percent of the MSU student body, the Bagley College offers 10 academic degree programs and ranks nationally among the top 25 engineering colleges in graduating African-American engineers. The college also is among the top 15 percent nationally in engineering research expenditures--a ranking above most Southeastern Conference universities.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.