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Departmental Information

Mission

Our mission is to integrate research and education in civil and environmental engineering through teaching that emphasizes both fundamentals and their application in engineering design; research that provides both the innovations of today and trains the innovators of tomorrow; a permeating culture of professionalism, ethics, innovation, and life-long learning; and service that supports, promotes, and nurtures the professional and educational communities in which we are engaged.


Goals

» Develop an integrated undergraduate/graduate educational program; enhance the quality of graduates and their graduation rates in BS and BS/MS programs; develop integrated program requirements; and enhance the student, faculty, administration, and employer culture.
» Expand the undergraduate research experience, increase undergraduate involvement in research activities, and change student culture regarding research.
» Promote post-baccalaureate education (research—PhD), build leading research programs in one or more targeted area(s), enhance incoming student quality, promote a diverse student body, expand the doctoral program, seamless research integration with ORNL, and cultivate an outstanding faculty.

History

Instruction in civil engineering began at the University of Tennessee in 1834, then East Tennessee College, after Joseph Estabrook, a man of strong scientific interest and background, became president. Here are some historical highlights:

1838
Surveying was introduced into the curriculum at the university.

1840
Name changed to East Tennessee University and first lecture in Civil Engineering.

1852
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) organized.

1860
First full time instructor in surveying, leveling, civil engineering, and road making (Professor Strong).

1863–1868
The university was closed due to the Civil War.

1877
The university organizes the College of Mechanic Arts in Mining and Engineering. Civil engineering as such was first recognized as a curriculum or body of courses.

1879
Legislature changes name from East Tennessee University to the University of Tennessee; trustees authorize the granting of advanced degree in civil engineering.

1898
Estabrook Hall constructed.

1887
School of Mathematics and Engineering created to offer professional degrees in civil, mechanical, and mining engineering.

1900
School of Engineering formed.

1907
All Engineering moved to Estabrook Hall.

1910
First Master of Science in Engineering awarded (civil engineering).

1912
College of Engineering was organized as a separate branch of the university, and Charles E. Ferris was named first dean.

1916
Nathan W. Dougherty appointed as professor of civil engineering.

1920
Co-op Education Program began.

1921
Engineering Experiment Station organized.

1930
Ferris Hall completed.

1938
Berry Hall, the Engineering Experiment Station, is erected.

1940
Dougherty appointed dean of engineering and A. T. Granger appointed head of civil engineering.

1951
First PhD awarded in engineering.

1957
Edward S. Fabian named department head.

1961
Harry H. Ambrose named department head.

1962
Professor Charles R. Walker named department head following the accidental death of Ambrose.

1970
The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering degree formed.

1972
William L. Grecco named department head.

1986
Gregory D. Reed named department head.

1988
University changes from quarter to semester system, CE curriculum revised.

1993
Department name changed to Civil and Environmental Engineering.

2007
Dayakar Penumadu named department head.

2009
The first major re-organization of curriculum since 1988 was implemented.

2013
Department moves to its new home in the John D. Tickle Engineering Building.

2014
Gregory D. Reed, associate vice chancellor for research, named interim head.

2015
Chris D. Cox named department head.