Dr. Nesli Alp
Dr. Neslihan Alp, who has served as the associate dean of Graduate Programs and Research in the College of Engineering and Computer Science as well as the department head of Engineering Management and Technology since 2006, has been appointed to a new role as the interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Dr. Alp joined UTC in 1999. Under her leadership, the Online Engineering Management master’s program has flourished and was ranked 22nd in the nation, according to SuperScholar’s Smart Choice for online Engineering Management degrees.
She has also developed and successfully implemented both undergraduate and graduate Construction Management programs in 2008 and 2010, respectively, with a $150,000 gift that was offered by the Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee.
During her tenure, both undergraduate and graduate programs in Engineering Management and Technology have quadrupled in enrollment and graduation rates. She also led the initial accreditation of the UTC Engineering Technology Management undergraduate program in compliance with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology in 2012.
Dr. Alp has work experience and practical knowledge in the field. During her time in Chattanooga, she has served in a consulting role for numerous employers, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, Electric Power Board, and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., in Chattanooga. She has made numerous presentations at professional conferences.
She earned the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management and the Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Istanbul Technical University in Turkey. She received the Doctor of Philosophy, Engineering Management from University of Missouri-Rolla, now Missouri University of Science and Technology.
She received support from students, faculty, staff, and community for the interim dean position in the College. She is the first female and foreign-born person to hold the position at UTC. In addition to English, Dr. Alp speaks Turkish and French.
Dr. Alp will strive “to serve students and improve the quality of education in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, foster a more engaged community relationship, and facilitate better communication within and outside the College.”