Nationally renowned electrical engineer named dean of Case Western Reserve University’s engineering school

Susan Hagness, PhD, a renowned electrical engineering researcher and educator and current department chair at University of Wisconsin–Madison, will become dean of Case School of Engineering July 1, Case Western Reserve University President Eric W. Kaler and Provost Joy K. Ward announced today. Hagness will become the first woman to be dean of engineering in the university’s history.

In nearly 30 years on the faculty at University of Wisconsin–Madison, Hagness, the Philip D. Reed Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Maria Stuchly Professor of Electrical Engineering, has gained renown as both an electrical engineer who successfully transformed ideas into inventions and as a collaborative leader who chaired the university’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for the past eight years. Hagness’ research focuses primarily on microwave interactions with human tissue, including developing techniques to image, detect and treat cancers. 

“Susan epitomizes what Case School of Engineering’s community is known for: purpose-driven individuals who seek solutions that can help humanity,” President Kaler said. “Her experience as a prolific researcher, an interdisciplinary partner and a visionary leader makes her an ideal person to fill this integral role.”

As chair of a department with nearly 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students, almost 60 faculty members and a dozen administrative staff, Hagness championed the creation and implementation of two five-year strategic plans, grew the faculty, and fostered professional development across all career stages. She also helped build a collaborative culture across eight core research areas, invested in new research and instructional facilities, and facilitated the expansion of undergraduate and graduate academic programs, among many other achievements. Hagness also previously served as associate dean for research and graduate affairs for the College of Engineering.

“Susan’s experience at UW–Madison aligns not only closely with Case Western Reserve’s focus today, but our vision for the future,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Ward. “I want to thank Interim Dean Chris Zorman for his commitment over the past year during this transition, as well as the search committee and its chairs, Dean David Gerdes and Professor Roger Quinn, who dedicated their time and energy to finding the ideal dean from a pool of high-caliber candidates.”

Hagness was intrigued by the position due to Case School of Engineering’s unique setting: “the combination of CWRU’s strong ecosystem for scientific discovery and engineering innovation and its world-renowned medical school, all on a Great Lake in a vibrant city with NASA Glenn Research Center in its backyard and a strong base of tech companies and the performing arts throughout the region,” she said. “I quickly realized that this is a proverbial unicorn.”

But it was what she learned on her visits to campus—most importantly, the quality of the people at the university—that solidified Hagness’ commitment.

“What sold me on joining CWRU,” Hagness said, “is the warmth and collaborative ethos embodied by the people I’ve met so far and the opportunities and genuine interest in building further partnerships across campus. I’m honored to join such a stellar leadership team in this endeavor and to advance the impressive work that CWRU engineering is well known for both nationally and internationally."

In addition to taking in The Cleveland Orchestra and hitting the hiking trails across the region, Hagness said she’s most excited to meet the students, faculty, staff and alumni of the school through listening sessions this fall.

“I’m eager to learn about the Case School of Engineering community’s boldest aspirations,” Hagness said. “And I can’t wait to get to work on realizing those dreams together.”

She’s also eager to join Case Western Reserve during its bicentennial year, as momentous projects are underway such as the Faculty 100 recruitment initiative and the opening of the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (which she toured during a campus visit)—a project she called “a thrilling investment that will result in a transformative space for fostering transdisciplinary research.”

In recognition of her own exceptional research, earlier this year, Hagness was elected to the National Academy of Engineering—becoming the 12th Case Western Reserve faculty member who has earned the esteemed achievement, including President Kaler. She’s also a fellow of IEEE, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and the National Academy of Inventors. Hagness has received honors such as the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Early Career Achievement Award, the IEEE Education Society Mac E. Van Valkenburg Early Career Teaching Award, the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) Issac Koga Gold Medal, the USNC-URSI Impact Award, and the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Distinguished Achievement Award.

Hagness earned her undergraduate degree and PhD, both in electrical engineering, from Northwestern University.