Message from the Dean

Welcome to the College of Engineering, located on one of Canada’s most attractive campuses in the beautiful river city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  Our province, Western Canada and the North are blessed with an abundance of natural resources, both nonrenewable and renewable. The provincial and regional economies are strong, and the population is growing. The college and university are perfectly situated and very committed to contribute to economic and social development here at home and globally.  Engineers are a critical part of this momentum – a tangible energy that you can feel when you live in Saskatchewan – as innovators and leaders. Our college contributes through its research, undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and outreach activities.  Our engineering graduates transition easily into their professions as well-rounded, people-oriented leaders, whether it is here at home or around the world.

We believe in our students and we value their success. We encourage them to take advantage of all the supports available to them at the University of Saskatchewan – the gifted and knowledgeable people, the experience of fellow students, and the stunning environment of our campus and our city. We are proud of our outstanding faculty and staff, academically talented students and graduates that include eminent professionals, successful entrepreneurs, influential leaders and responsible citizens. Our research is relevant to the needs of society and well recognized by peers. We are supported by alumni who, through their generous gifts of time, advocacy, advice and money, give us the means and encouragement to strive for excellence.

Over the next four years, the College of Engineering will make every effort to continue to be known for its high-quality programs, innovation and relevance to industry. We will be leaders in new ventures, including sustainable resource development, architecture and increased interdisciplinary research and teaching. We will continue to attract the best and brightest students to our programs and to engage meaningfully with our partners and communities, including Aboriginal peoples who are underrepresented in engineering today. I invite you to review the College’s Strategic Plan to learn more about our ambitions and directions.    

2012 is a special year, as it marks our 100th birthday at the College of Engineering. Whether you are already connected with our college or are thinking about how to become engaged with us as a student or as a research collaborator, I invite you to attend one of the many special events that will take place in the coming months around campus to honour our centennial year. I am very conscious of the legacy with which we have been entrusted and of the responsibilities that we have to build on 100 years of tradition, innovation and celebration for the benefit of our students, our alumni, our public and our profession.

If you are interested in learning more about the college, our programs or our centennial celebrations, I encourage you to explore our website and get to know us better by reading our college magazine, Thorough.  Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me by email at ernie.barber@usask.ca or by phone (306) 966-5593. I will always find time to share my knowledge of the college and my passion for engineering.