Kendra V. Sharp appointed as new dean of Santa Clara University’s School of Engineering

Santa Clara University has announced the appointment of Kendra V. Sharp as the next dean of its School of Engineering. 

Sharp, who will begin her tenure in March 2025, is set to lead the school as it aligns with the university’s strategic plan, Impact 2030.

In her new role, Sharp will focus on expanding the School of Engineering’s impact in key areas such as healthcare, emerging technologies, and sustainability. Her responsibilities will include enhancing support for research, graduate education, and undergraduate programmes, all while fostering a community committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Additionally, Sharp will engage with alumni, donors, and corporate partners to strengthen the school’s connections both locally and globally.

Sharp currently serves as the head of the Office of International Science and Engineering at the National Science Foundation (NSF), where she has focused on advancing international partnerships in science and engineering research.

 Her career includes significant experience at Oregon State University, where she held roles such as senior adviser for global affairs and associate vice provost for faculty development. At Oregon State, she also founded and directed the Humanitarian Engineering Programme, which aims to address global challenges through engineering solutions.

Reflecting on her new role, Sharp stated:

 “Joining Santa Clara University as the dean of the School of Engineering is an incredible honour. Being located in the heart of Silicon Valley and having the tremendous resources of the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation offers our students and faculty unparalleled opportunities for innovation and collaboration. I look forward to building on its strong tradition of excellence and leading the school into a new era of discovery and impact.”

Sharp’s appointment follows the tenure of Elaine Scott, Ph.D., who has served as dean since 2019 and will return to the engineering faculty. During the interim period, Professor Chris Kitts, who holds several leadership positions within the School of Engineering, will serve as the interim dean. Kitts will also continue his work as a senior advisor on research and external partnerships after the transition.

“Santa Clara University is very fortunate to have a leader of Kendra Sharp’s calibre joining the School of Engineering at this pivotal time,” said James M. Glaser, Provost and Executive Vice President.

“Dr. Sharp’s unique blend of academic and administrative experience, combined with her unwavering commitment to fostering a more humane, inclusive, and globally engaged engineering community, promises to elevate the school to even greater heights.”