Harvard proposes to transform Engineering Division into a school

Harvard University announced May 23, 2006, a proposal to transform its Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences (DEAS) into the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS.

The re-naming, which will be presented for formal approval in the autumn, would have the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences function as a "school within a school." It would maintain close academic connections with other parts of FAS and educate undergraduates within Harvard College, as it does today. The elevation of DEAS to a school will raise the prominence of the program both within the University and nationally.

"DEAS has made tremendous strides under the leadership of Venky Narayanamurti," says Harvard Provost Steven E. Hyman. "Continued progress is needed, however, if we are to serve the growing needs of our students, provide desired collaborators for our faculty within the sciences and professional schools, and achieve the levels of excellence and national recognition that are consistent with our other academic efforts. A consensus has been reached that such progress will be markedly enhanced by an evolutionary step that awards greater independence to Harvard's engineering programs."

Venkatesh Narayanamurti, John A. and Elizabeth S. Armstrong Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Dean of the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Dean of Physical Sciences who had earlier announced his intention to step down after eight years as DEAS dean, has agreed to stay on to guide the transition.