MSU's engineering program with S&T gains new director

Missouri State University's 15-year-old cooperative engineering program in partnership with the Missouri University of Science and Technology is gaining new leadership.

Theresa Odun-Ayo, who most recently was an associate teaching professor of electrical and computer engineering for the program, started as director on July 15, according to a news release. She succeeds founding Director Douglas Carroll, who is moving into an engineering faculty member role.

“As director, I look forward to promoting an environment that is equitable and inclusive, fostering excellence in teaching and empowering the students with the technical knowledge and skills necessary for success,” Odun-Ayo said in the release. “I am excited to promote student success and retention, while also advancing both universities’ missions of academic excellence, diversity, best policies and partnerships.”

In 2021, the cooperative engineering program relocated to newly constructed engineering facilities at the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, home of the Efactory, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

Students in the cooperative program complete engineering courses with Missouri S&T professors and their nonengineering courses with MSU. Upon finishing the program, they graduate from Missouri S&T with bachelor's degrees in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, according to the release.

Odun-Ayo has been affiliated with Missouri S&T since 2006, when she was a graduate research assistant in electrical and computer engineering. She worked as a principal electrical engineer for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and a lecturer for the Nigerian Defense University before joining the S&T team.