Department Strategic Plan 2009

The LSU Chemical Engineering Department is a recognized leader in chemical engineering education and service, and is one of the oldest and most productive departments in the nation. The department has been prolific in providing the highly-trained graduates needed in the chemical and petrochemical production facilities located in the Gulf Coast area. We have a strong reputation due to our proximity and firm ties to one of the world's largest concentrations on chemical, plastics, paper, and refining industries; along with a long history of our graduates assuming leadership positions in these industries and allied fields. The chemical engineering department is an essential component in the LSU Flagship Agenda, which seeks to improve the reputation of the University. In tune with the Flagship Agenda, we will strive to enhance and further strengthen these reputations, heightening the University's own reputation as a rising center for research. With this in mind, the Department drafted an extensive Strategic Planning Document in 2007 in order to better assist us in achieving these goals.

Vision

Mission

• To educate through vigorous, intellectual exercise chemical engineers at all degree levels.
• To produce Chemical Engineers capable of entering high quality graduate programs throughout the country and qualified to conduct innovative and independent research and development functions for industry, government, and academia.
• To instill in our faculty and students the principles of service and of making long-term contributions to their employer, their profession, and society.
  

Strategic Goals

• To develop and enhance region-important research and scholarship through improved physical facilities and equipment and stronger industrial ties.
• To magnify departmental national and international reputation in research and teaching through public, corporate, academic, and alumni relations.
• To increase the retention rate and recruitment of outstanding students by strengthening all programs, by attracting eminent scholars, by retaining current faculty, and by modernizing laboratories and computer facilities.
• To assist in the economic development of the state through research in related industries.

Program Educational Objectives

• To provide every student with a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of the discipline, including opportunities for classroom and workplace interactions with local industry. For students interested in teaching and research, provide advanced coursework and research opportunities to prepare for attending graduate school.
• To provide students with laboratory experience using process engineering equipment. Train students in use of modern computational tools and information resources. Develop knowledge and skills related to environmental, health, and safety issues in the chemical industry.
• To develop graduates with open-ended problem solving skills. Develop teamwork skills for working on large, interdisciplinary projects. Develop verbal, written, and electronic media skills for communicating with various audiences.
• To instill a sense of ethics and professionalism and an appreciation of the need for continuing education. Develop an awareness of social needs and societal responsibilities.