In a captivating Spring Faculty Retreat held at the Doubletree Hilton Doral, faculty members explored tomorrow’s frontiers in computer science as they focused on visionary strategies and innovations for the future. Faculty members began this year’s strategic planning by exploring ideas in sessions dedicated to Vision and Strategy, AI in Teaching Innovations, as well as Research and the PhD program. Setting the stage for a day of intellectual exchange, the retreat started with insightful guidance by Dr. Jason Liu, who provided motivational remarks as he unveiled the day’s agenda. Dr. Gregory Reis then steered the introductory session, sparking dynamic discussions among the faculty as they settled into a collaborative mindset. The energy in the room was palpable, as the team set the stage for what would become a day of visionary exploration. Interim Dean Ines Triay introduced the way forward for the upcoming strategic planning for the College of Engineering and Computing, laying the framework for the College’s future.
The Vision and Strategy Session, led by Dr. Giri Narasimhan and Dr. Kemal Akkaya, became a flury of ideas and aspirations. Faculty members, guided by the two, charted the strengths of KFSCIS and embarked on the creation of a compelling vision for the years ahead. The teams delved into a profound analysis of the present while envisioning the future, crystallizing a roadmap to propel the institution toward new horizons.
The excitement continued to build in the subsequent session on AI and Teaching Innovations, masterfully orchestrated by Dr. Patricia McDermott Wells and Dr. Charlyne Walker. A visionary program unfolded, with discussions revolving around the integration of AI in the classroom. The focus was on hands-on learning, the development of problem-solving skills, and the transformative impact that AI could have on both educators and students.
As the faculty engaged in stimulating conversations over lunch, the focus began to shift to the seminar session on Research and the PhD Program. Drs. Mark Finlayson, Raju Rangaswami, Selcuk Uluagac, Sumit Jha, and Chris Poellabauer took the stage, introducing a roadmap to address challenges in PhD recruitment, retention, and graduation rates. Their innovative strategies promised to enhance research funding, amplify ongoing research initiatives, and elevate the international, national, and state profiles of KFSCIS.
Dr. Ines Triay in her new role as the Interim Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing emphasized her role as a catalyst for innovation. She underscored her commitment to facilitating success, inviting faculty members to join her in shaping the College’s strategic future. Dr. Jason Liu brought the retreat to a close, following the seminar team leaders’ recap of the essential outcomes in their sessions, then set the stage for action sessions that would continue throughout the semester as the school shapes its new strategic plan.
The KFSCIS faculty retreat wasn’t just a gathering; it was a crucible where ideas fused, visions crystallized, and strategies for a dynamic future took shape. As the faculty continues to churn out groundbreaking concepts and forge new pathways, KFSCIS and the College of Engineering and Computing stand at the cusp of an era defined by innovation and excellence.