Last Updated: 02/16/2026 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date

The Short Version

First, ISE Communications prepared the following departmental history to document the department’s growth and impact. Moreover, the team based this history on earlier works by former department heads Robert Carson and Clifton Anderson. In addition, assistant department head Clarence Smith contributed important background information.

Furthermore, the team conducted research in the University Archives at DH Hill Library to confirm key details. As a result, the history reflects careful review of official records and past publications.

Finally, ISE Communications added recent developments to bring the story up to date. With guidance from department heads Paul Cohen and Julie Swann, the team ensured the latest milestones appear clearly and accurately. Therefore, this history combines trusted research with current leadership insight.

Beginnings: A Discipline Takes Shape (1930–1945)

The story of Industrial Engineering at NC State begins in 1930, during a time of national change. At that time, the Great Depression gripped the country. Meanwhile, the Empire State Building began to rise, and engineers patented the jet engine. Against this backdrop, Industrial Engineering first appeared in the NC State catalog. As a result, NC State became the 16th university in the nation to offer the discipline.

In the beginning, the program was more an idea than a full department. There were no graduates and no faculty members. Instead, a small group of students pursued a new curriculum that blended engineering and management. However, that soon changed. In 1931, Howard Burton Shaw arrived as the first professor. As a Harvard-trained engineer, he brought vision and direction to the young program.

By 1933, the department awarded its first two bachelor’s degrees. Therefore, the program officially took root. Even so, the pre-war years brought small enrollments and limited resources. As a result, classes and offices moved often while the program searched for stability.

Then World War II brought a major pause. Faculty members left for military service, and Professor Shaw passed away suddenly in 1943. Consequently, instruction stopped completely. For five years, the department awarded no degrees. Nevertheless, the foundation for future growth remained in place.

Post-War Momentum and Modern Foundations (1946–1957)

After World War II, the department entered a period of rapid growth and change. Returning veterans filled college campuses across the country. As a result, Industrial Engineering at NC State grew stronger than before. In 1948, David Henderson returned as department head. Soon after, undergraduate enrollment climbed to 135 students. Most importantly, the BSIE degree earned its first accreditation. Since then, the program has maintained continuous accreditation.

At the same time, the department expanded beyond undergraduate education. In 1948, it awarded its first Master of Science degree. In addition, leaders introduced the Furniture Manufacturing and Management (FMM) program. Therefore, the department strengthened its connection to North Carolina’s manufacturing industry.

In 1950, the department moved into Riddick Engineering Laboratories. At that time, it was the most modern building on campus. The curriculum focused on hands-on experience. For example, students completed required industrial work placements. They also joined week-long field trips to major industrial centers. As a result, the department built a strong reputation. Graduates left campus ready to lead from their first day on the job.

Transition, Quantitative Methods and National Influence (1957–1973)

In 1957, NC State appointed Clifton A. Anderson as department head. As a result, the department entered a new era. Under his leadership, faculty modernized the curriculum. They added new quantitative and analytical methods. Consequently, the department moved to the forefront of a changing discipline.

During this time, the department gained national attention. For example, faculty and students accepted leadership roles in the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Alpha Pi Mu. In addition, NC State IE students earned national awards. At the same time, faculty achievements raised the department’s profile across the country. Therefore, the program built a strong and respected reputation.

Most importantly, the department focused on doctoral education. After years of careful planning and faculty development, leaders proposed a Ph.D. program. In 1967, the university approved the Ph.D. program at every level without revision. This approval marked a major milestone. Two years later, the department awarded its first Ph.D. degree. As a result, NC State strengthened its position as a research leader in Industrial Engineering.

Growth, Scale and Student Excellence (1973–1990)

In the decades that followed, the department experienced rapid growth. As a result, undergraduate enrollment soared and graduate programs expanded. Degree production also reached historic highs. By the mid-1980s, annual BSIE graduates exceeded 100 for the first time. Moreover, total yearly degrees surpassed 150 by the end of the decade.

At the same time, students earned national recognition. For example, they excelled in leadership roles, competitions, and academic honors. In addition, NC State IE student organizations ranked among the best in the nation. Consequently, alumni began to fill leadership positions across industry and academia.

Meanwhile, faculty growth matched student success. The department added experts in manufacturing systems, optimization, ergonomics, and emerging technologies. Therefore, the curriculum stayed current and forward-looking. In 1981, the department celebrated its 50th anniversary. However, leaders did more than reflect on the past. Instead, they created a strategic plan to guide the department into the next decade and sustain its momentum.

Expanding Reach and Academic Leadership (1990–2005)

The 1990s brought steady progress and change. First, leaders streamlined degree requirements to improve clarity and flexibility. As a result, students moved through the program more efficiently. Graduate enrollment also surpassed 100 students for the first time. In addition, the department launched new centers, including the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina. Consequently, the department expanded its impact across the state and beyond.

At the same time, the department embraced innovation in education. For example, it offered North Carolina’s first real-time, internet-based engineering course. Moreover, leaders expanded distance education and strengthened industry partnerships. Research facilities also received important upgrades. Therefore, faculty and students gained access to modern tools and spaces. Outreach efforts grew as well, connecting engineering to the wider university community and the public.

Finally, in 2005, the department returned to its original home at 111 Lampe Drive, In doing so, it symbolically linked its future with its past.

A Transformational Gift and a New Identity (2005–2010)

That same year marked one of the most defining moments in the department’s history. Alumnus Ed Fitts made a transformative $10 million gift. As a result, the department expanded its scholarship and fellowship programs. In addition, students gained more global learning opportunities. Research programs also experienced significant growth.

At first, Fitts showed reluctance about naming the department after him. However, leaders honored his generosity by renaming the unit. Consequently, it became the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Notably, it became the first named department in the UNC system.

The impact was both immediate and profound. For example, graduate enrollment doubled within a short period. Moreover, research funding increased fivefold. Therefore, the department greatly expanded its ability to support students and drive innovation. In turn, faculty and students pursued larger projects and broader partnerships. This gift reshaped the department’s future and strengthened its long-term momentum.

A New Home and a Forward-Looking Future (2010–Present)

Despite setbacks during the Great Recession, the department kept its vision alive. Leaders continued to plan for a new home on Centennial Campus. Although funding challenges slowed progress, the commitment never faded. As a result, the dream moved forward step by step.

Through the generosity of Ed Fitts and Edgar S. Woolard, Jr., that vision became reality. Consequently, the university constructed Fitts-Woolard Hall. The building opened in 2020 as a state-of-the-art hub. Today, students and faculty use it for teaching, research, and collaboration. Therefore, the facility reflects both ambition and achievement.

In 2017, the department welcomed its first female department head, Julie Swann. Under her leadership, the department has emphasized outreach, inclusion, and alumni engagement. In addition, she has expanded research in human-systems engineering and advanced manufacturing. Faculty also lead work in data science and emerging technologies.

Today, the department builds on nearly a century of excellence. While it honors its roots in systems thinking and optimization, it also leads in brain-computer interfaces, cyber and biomedical manufacturing, and big data analytics.

Looking Ahead

In 1930, Industrial Engineering was listed modestly in the course catalog. At that time, few could predict its future impact. However, the program steadily grew in scope and reputation. Over the decades, it embraced change and pursued innovation. As a result, it evolved into a globally recognized department. Today, the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering stands as a named department. Moreover, it operates in a world-class facility that reflects its ambition and leadership.

As we educate future generations, we remain grounded in our rich history. At the same time, we look ahead with energy and purpose. Because industries continue to change, we prepare students to lead with skill and integrity. Therefore, our mission connects past achievements with future possibilities.