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School of Engineering History

Established in 1900, the School of Engineering at the University of Mississippi is the state's oldest engineering institution.

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A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

Engineering education at the University of Mississippi began in 1854 with the establishment of a Department of Engineering to complement the university's strong natural sciences program. This foundation led to the official establishment of the School of Engineering in 1900, initially offering programs in civil and electrical engineering. Over the years, the school expanded its academic offerings, introducing chemical engineering in 1929, geological engineering in 1946, mechanical engineering in 1952, and computer science in 1973. Throughout its history, the school has been committed to providing a rigorous education that equips students to make an impact in their careers and communities.

A Look Back

Milestone Dates in Ole Miss Engineering History

  • 1854: The University of Mississippi establishes a Department of Engineering to complement its strong natural sciences program.
  • 1900: The School of Engineering is officially established, offering programs in civil and electrical engineering.
  • 1929: Chemical engineering program is introduced.
  • 1946: Geological engineering program is established.
  • 1952: Mechanical engineering program is introduced.
  • 1956: Jess Woods becomes the first Rhodes Scholar from the School of Engineering.
  • 1961: Barbara Kerr Beckmann becomes the first woman to graduate from the school, earning a degree in chemical engineering.
  • 1969: Edgar Lee Caples is the first African American to graduate from the school, earning a degree in electrical engineering.
  • 1972: Bachelor of Engineering program is established.
  • 1973: Computer science program is introduced.
  • 1983: Dr. Martha Williams joins the school as the first African-American professor.
  • 1991: The University of Mississippi becomes a founding institution of the Mississippi Space Grant Consortium.
  • 1996: Steven Hester becomes the first Goldwater Scholar from the School of Engineering.
  • 2007: Alumnus Bill Parsons is named director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
  • 2008: The Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence opens, with more than half of its students from the School of Engineering.
  • 2009: Engineers Without Borders student chapter is started, with the first trip to Togo in 2012.
  • 2017: Biomedical engineering program is established.
  • 2021: Industry affiliates program is launched, with five founding members.