Dean's Council
Purpose
The primary mission of the Dean’s Council is to help the dean with strategic planning,
external relations and enhancing the educational and research mission of the Whitacre
College of Engineering. As alumni and friends of the college in key leadership positions,
the members of the Council serve as real-time sounding boards and counselors for the
dean.
Membership
Each member serves one three-year term with the option to renew for a second three-year
term if nominated. Initial terms of membership commence at the beginning of the regular
fall meeting and end three years later immediately prior to the beginning of the regular
fall meeting. The Council strives for diversity among its members, not only with
regard to age, race, gender, and national origin but also regarding profession, specialization,
industry, and geography.
Meetings
The Dean’s Council meets twice annually; once in the fall on Homecoming weekend and
once in the spring in early April in conjunction with the Distinguished Engineers
luncheon. In the fall, meetings are held on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (prior to
Saturday’s Homecoming game), and in the spring the meeting is held on Thursday from
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Member expectations
- Dean’s Council members are encouraged to contribute $1,000 annually to the Council’s
operating account at or before the fall meeting. The annual contribution level and
use of the funds is determined by the Dean’s Council in order to execute one or more
purposes of the Council. The Council currently sponsors the McAuley Award, which
provides a $5,000 award to an outstanding graduating senior, and supports Ethics Day
at Texas Tech University. In addition, the Council invests approximately $7,000 per
year in a Dean’s Council Endowment fund which will provide recurring funds to support
Dean’s Council activities.
- Members are expected to attend all Dean’s Council meetings. If a member misses two
consecutive meetings, the member will be removed from the Council pursuant to the
bylaws.
- Dean’s Council members are expected to serve as an officer of the Council or on one of the Dean’s Council standing or ad-hoc committees during their term. Standing committees consist of the Nominating Committee, McAuley Award Committee, and Ethics Day Committee.
Rewards
Individuals who choose to invest their time and energy to serve on the Dean’s Council
have a tremendous impact in shaping the future of the Whitacre College of Engineering
as we continually seek to enhance our quality, our reputation, and our service to
the state of Texas and the nation. The strong bond built among our current and past
council members and the dean, faculty, and staff of the college lasts a lifetime.