Tickle College of Engineering

Tickle College of Engineering
Name	Tickle College of Engineering
Established	1838
Type	Public
Dean	Matthew Mench
Parent	University of Tennessee
City	Knoxville
State	Tennessee
Country	United States
Website	https://tickle.utk.edu/

Tickle College of Engineering is the engineering college of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. It is one of the oldest and largest engineering schools in the Southeastern United States, tracing its origins to the university's founding. The college is named for benefactors John D. Tickle and Ann Tickle, whose transformative gift in 2015 supported its mission in advanced education and research.

History

The engineering program's roots are tied to the 1838 founding of East Tennessee University, a precursor to the University of Tennessee. Formal engineering instruction began in the late 19th century, with the department evolving into a full college by 1915 under the leadership of figures like John R. Neal. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded significantly, driven by post-World War II growth and contributions to national projects like the Manhattan Project and the Space Race. The college was renamed in honor of John D. Tickle and Ann Tickle following their landmark donation, cementing its modern identity and ambitions within the University of Tennessee System.

Departments and programs

The college is organized into several academic departments, including the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate degrees, master's programs through the University of Tennessee Graduate School, and doctoral studies. Specialized programs include accredited curricula in Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering, with interdisciplinary ties to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and the Haslam College of Business.

Research centers and institutes

A hub for innovation, the college houses numerous research entities such as the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment and the Center for Renewable Carbon. Key facilities include the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, a partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Tennessee Advanced Materials Laboratory. Research thrusts are supported by agencies like the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense, focusing on areas from advanced manufacturing to cybersecurity.

Facilities

The college's primary footprint is on the university's Knoxville campus, with major buildings including the John D. Tickle Engineering Building, Ferris Hall, and the Dougherty Engineering Building. It operates the Engineered Systems Building and specialized labs like the Manufacturing and Design Laboratory. The college benefits from unparalleled proximity and collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, utilizing facilities such as the Spallation Neutron Source and the High Flux Isotope Reactor for cutting-edge research.

Notable alumni and faculty

Distinguished faculty have included James G. Boyd, a pioneer in electrical engineering, and J. Reece Roth, known for his work in aerospace engineering. Alumni of note encompass NASA astronaut Barry Wilmore, former Lockheed Martin CEO Marilyn Hewson, and Pilot Flying J founder James A. Haslam II. Other prominent graduates are Y-12 National Security Complex director William T. Madia and Tennessee Valley Authority engineer Lois Crisler.

Rankings and reputation

Consistently ranked among top public engineering schools by U.S. News & World Report, the college is highly regarded for its Nuclear Engineering and Chemical Engineering programs. It is classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The college's strong partnerships with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Department of Energy, and major corporations like Cummins and Eastman Chemical Company underscore its reputation for research impact and graduate employability.

Category:University of Tennessee Category:Engineering universities and colleges in Tennessee Category:Educational institutions established in 1838 Category:1838 establishments in Tennessee