Hi! My name is Annie Dorsey, and I am an Industrial and Systems Engineering student from Dallas, Texas. As a senior reflecting on my experience at Auburn, I am so, so glad I chose to come ~700 miles away from my home (even though this meant leaving what is unequivocally one of the top 50 states).
Me (middle) and an engineering project group in front of our Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center
I study Industrial and Systems Engineering, which focuses on process improvement, efficiency, and optimization. Typical ISEs pursue roles in manufacturing, healthcare, or supply chain. ISEs are the people who created the fast pass at Disney World, who suggested the Chick-Fil-A employees stand outside to take your order during rush hours, and if you’ve ever seen Cheaper by the Dozen, both parents are ISEs.
Industrial and Systems Engineering is just one engineering discipline of 12 total majors in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. In alphabetical order, they are:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biosystems Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Wireless Engineering
These majors are all 4 year programs and are all ABET Accredited. To see the courses required for graduation in each major, navigate to the “Majors” section of the Auburn Bulletin.
The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is named after an impressive alumni of the college: Samuel Ginn. He is such a fantastic example for us as students, so many of the great programs we offer in the college replicate his experience in industry.
Samuel Ginn (middle) in Fall 2021 on a visit to the College of Engineering where he chatted with students and faculty
Ginn worked for 27 years for AT&T then moved to join what would become Verizon. He worked there for 22 years, overseeing both mergers and IPOs. As engineers, we learn how to work cross functionally. We study to learn how to problem solve, then, after we receive the best training, we are equipped to go into any industry. Samuel Ginn is the perfect example of this, having worked in telecom, not a typical engineering role. It is especially impressive to me that he was in charge of large divisions that were being bought and sold and was able to adapt to new leadership in each case. We encourage our students to be involved with engineering beyond simply their declared major, because a well rounded engineer makes a great engineer even better.
The College of Engineering also begins the cycle of lifelong learning. By having electives that adapt to industry needs each semester, we ensure our students are prepared to go into the workforce. However, we also know as our Alumni change roles and grow in their career, they will need to continue to seek out learning opportunities. In addition to robust grad school offerings at Auburn, we encourage our students to practice lifelong learning by participating in clubs. To facilitate learning outside of the classroom, we offer organizations like the Theme Park Engineering Group , which encourages all engineering disciplines who are passionate about theme parks to grow a deeper understanding of the engineering, design, construction, and user experience that go into making a ride. Programs like the Academic Excellence Program, which just celebrated its 25th year, is dedicated to recruiting and retaining diverse students to the college. By providing a community for students of any minority status to go to for mentorship, professional development, and peer learning, we hope to facilitate students meeting their future co-workers or co-founders! It is clear Samuel Ginn also holds lifelong learning in high regard by his serving as a Sloan Fellow at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
Some of our Chemical Engineers, members of AIChE, at a recent conference
AURA (Auburn University Rocketry Association) members prepare for a launch
When Ginn was inducted to the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 1992, he continued to exemplify what we should aspire to become as engineers. All Auburn students are held to a high standard, but the students in the College of Engineering have especially achieved some amazing success. We have had graduates who have gone on to become VPs at Exxon Mobil, CEO of Accenture, CEO of Apple, NASA Astronauts, and much more. Lots of friends have used our robust alumni network to get internships at top companies like Blue Origin, Tesla, Brassfield and Gorrie, and Johnson & Johnson. Even beyond job titles, our graduates continue to achieve and succeed. For more cool stories, check out our podcast, #GINNing, which highlights students, professors, and alumni alike.
Here’s me, Annie, with one incredible graduate of Auburn Engineering, Tim Cook
It is clear Samuel Ginn is not only a great namesake of the college, but also should be a role model for all students in the College of Engineering with his passion for cross functional training, lifelong learning, and career and life successes.