Last Updated: 02/11/2026 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date

You can take pride in learning from faculty who lead your industry. In fact, many of your professors have earned top faculty awards and are fellows of respected professional associations. As a result, you gain insight from experts recognized for excellence and impact. Moreover, you benefit from instructors who continue to shape the future of the field.

Most importantly, you attend the only U.S. school with more fellows of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers than any other. In other words, no other school in the nation has more IISE Fellows on its faculty. Therefore, you learn from leaders whose achievements and faculty awards set the professional standard.

Faculty Awards (Fellows)

Faculty Awards (Founding Directors)

Faculty Awards (Professional Societies)

Why Faculty Awards are Important

Faculty awards matter because they directly shape your experience as a student or faculty member. First, when you join a department with award-winning professors, you learn from leaders in the field. As a result, you gain knowledge grounded in recognized expertise and real-world impact.

Moreover, if you are a student, faculty awards signal teaching and research excellence. When professors earn honors from professional societies, they demonstrate that their work influences industry and academia. Therefore, your degree carries stronger credibility with employers and graduate programs.

Likewise, if you are considering joining the faculty, awards reflect a culture of achievement and support. In other words, you enter an environment where excellence is valued and recognized. Consequently, you benefit from strong mentorship, collaboration, and professional visibility.

In addition, award-winning departments attract competitive research funding and industry partnerships. Because of this, you gain access to cutting-edge projects, advanced resources, and meaningful networks. Furthermore, you become part of a community known for leadership.

Ultimately, faculty awards do more than honor individuals. They strengthen the department’s reputation, and in turn, they strengthen the value of your education and career opportunities.

For example, when your professors receive national recognition, you see clear proof of high standards. As a result, you feel greater confidence in your program’s quality. In turn, you can highlight your department’s achievements on your resume or applications.

Additionally, awards often inspire higher expectations across the department. Because faculty set strong examples, you push yourself to meet those standards. Consequently, you grow as a scholar, professional, and leader.

Most importantly, you share in the pride that recognition brings. Therefore, you feel connected to a department that values excellence and celebrates success.