ASEE has had a major influence on engineering education since its founding as the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education in 1893 almost 120 years ago. ASEE is a very different organization from the one the founders envisioned, and the ways it influences and can influence engineering have changed and will continue to change.

The presentation will provide a brief history of how ASEE has influenced engineering education in the past and its role today. The last part of the presentation will outline some possible opportunities for  the future and invite discussion.

William E. Kelly, Ph.D., P.E., F. ASCE is Director of External Affairs at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). At ASEE, his responsibilities include the Engineering Deans Council, public policy, international activities, and ASEE’s ABET accreditation responsibilities. Prior to joining ASEE in September of 2007, he was a Professor of Civil Engineering at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where he served as Dean of the School of Engineering from 1996-2001.  Dr. Kelly was on the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) from 1993-2003 and was chair in 2001-2002.  He is currently a member of the NAE Center for Engineering, Ethics, and Society Advisory Group, the ASCE Committee on Sustainability and the Board of Directors of the Civil Engineering Certification Board.