Michael B. Ryan, associate dean for undergraduate programs and academic affairs in the College of Engineering, has won a Dockweiler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising.
The Dockweiler Award recognizes three full-time faculty or staff members who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to Notre Dame undergraduates through outstanding mentoring, academic advising or career counseling.
According to the award citation from John T. McGreevy, the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost of the University of Notre Dame:
“Michael Ryan has developed an advising philosophy and manual to ensure that all engineering undergraduate students are holistically supported—from course selection and registration to extracurricular experiences, career advice, and placement.
“Dean Ryan has led improvements in engineering students’ experiences thanks to his efforts to develop reliable frameworks and curricular standards that transcend particular programs or personnel.
“Perhaps most notably, he has been recognized for his wisdom in coaching students facing academic or personal difficulties during their time at Notre Dame, variously taking a ‘tough love’ approach or providing affirmation, as appropriate.”
Before joining the College of Engineering, Ryan had a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. He completed the Navy’s nuclear power training program and entered the submarine force, serving on three different submarines before assuming command of the nuclear attack submarine, USS Columbus. When not deployed in submarines, he was involved in all aspects of Naval training programs, including the development and execution of tactical and technical curricula.
Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace and mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s in political science at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. He joined the College of Engineering in 2015.
—Karla Cruise, Notre Dame Engineering