University Of Alaska Anchorage: CoEng Dean Kenrick Mock Is Excited To Create New Opportunities For Students

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

August 4, 2021

 It’s been a busy two years for Kenrick Mock, professor of computer science in the
College of Engineering (CoEng), who stepped into the role of dean in fall 2018. Mock
joined UAA in 2000 as a professor of computer science and recently accepted the position
of dean with the college and is excited to continue the college's work, goals and
mission.

“We’re looking toward the future and growing some of our programs,” said Mock. Due
to budget issues, Mock said that CoEng experienced reductions in programs but is starting
to move forward. “We're starting to see a rebound in some of our programs, and we're
actually starting to see increasing enrollment in our programs.”

Mock said programs like project management and geomatics are gaining momentum again
as enrollment increases and that there are plans of adding new programs to CoEng course
offerings. 

“We have a couple of new programs that are really geared toward working professionals
and people in the industry — which I’m pretty excited about,” Mock said. In addition
to developing new programs, he said the pandemic taught him and the rest of the university
that it was possible to engage students in a virtual learning environment. With that
in mind, he said that the college is reexamining its courses and offering new hybrid
classes that cater to students in the classroom and online. “I think from our COVID
experience; we’ll be able to deliver a hybrid course delivery and start to reach more
students.”

Mock said there are plans to increase CoEng’s footprint within the community campuses
to reach more students and provide them with more robust course offerings than just
the current basic engineering math and science classes.

“Right now, these students can start taking engineering courses at their community
campus but then have to transfer here,” said Mock. “But I think we’re going to be
able to start offering classes remotely, allowing students to complete their engineering
degree programs where they’re at.”

In addition to expanding course offerings through online learning, Mock said he has
plans to increase the college’s presence in the community through new programs and
partnerships ranging from K-12 education to mentorship opportunities with industry
partners. Mock said recruitment and retention is a focus and hopes that the college
can continue educating the state’s next generation of engineers by cultivating these
programs.

Mock also noted that he and the CoEng administration will be preparing for the college's
accreditation next year. 

“We do have a lot going on,” said Mock. “But it’s really fun to have all these different
activities going on. It’s going to be challenging, but I am looking forward to the
fall semester.”

This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author’s own.