Dear Maseeh Community,
A successful fall term is winding down, and the energy across our campus this past term has been undeniable. From groundbreaking research to new academic programs to students building the future in our labs—Maseeh College is thriving.
This past year, we achieved our highest retention rates since COVID--82 percent rate for first-year students and 95 perfect for upper division students. This past Spring, we celebrated 650 graduates launching careers that will shape our region and beyond. Despite challenges facing higher education nationwide, our faculty generated about $16 million in research expenditures (including centers and research grants through the PSU Foundation), securing funding for transformative work in renewable energy, advanced communications, and infrastructure resilience. These aren't just impressive numbers—they represent real solutions to the challenges our communities face.
I'm honored to share that I've been elected to the Board of Directors for SACNAS, the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science. This national leadership role reflects Maseeh College's commitment to creating accessible pathways into STEM for students from all backgrounds. As the first Indigenous dean of an engineering college in the United States, I see this as an opportunity to amplify the innovative work happening right here at Portland State.
We're expanding opportunities for students in other exciting ways. This fall, the Faculty Senate approved our new Computer Science AI major, AI minor, and Cybersecurity minor—programs designed to meet soaring industry demand while ensuring the next generation of technologists centers human needs and ethical considerations. An Applied AI program is also in development, creating even more pathways for students to engage with transformative technology.
Our FUTURES Initiative continues to reimagine how we create opportunity in engineering and computer science. From invention workshops for middle schoolers to faculty-mentored undergraduate cohorts, we're identifying and nurturing talent at every stage—building not just a pipeline, but an ecosystem where diverse voices drive innovation.
Last month's Maseeh Exchange: Power & Energy event showcased what makes our college special. Faculty, students, industry partners, and community members came together to explore urgent challenges facing our electrical grid through our Powerize PNW coalition of over 80 partners. We unveiled a vibrant new mural titled "Ideas with Impact"—a fitting symbol for our mission. Our next Maseeh Exchange in May will spotlight Infrastructure research, another area where Maseeh College leads critical work for the Pacific Northwest.
Recognition continues to affirm our approach. We're ranked as a top 200 school for Indigenous students and recently honored by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). Daimler Truck North America invested $1.3 million in new professorships, validating the real-world impact of our programs. Our faculty earned prestigious university awards for research excellence and public impact—proof that world-class scholarship and accessible education aren't opposing goals, but complementary strengths.
What sets Maseeh College apart is our conviction that excellent engineering education should be inclusive, affordable, and transformative. Our graduates do more than just earn degrees with the #1 return on investment in Oregon; they gain the expertise and perspective to make a genuine difference. They become the engineers and computer scientists who see technology not as an end in itself, but as a powerful tool for solving problems that matter.
As Portland State steps fully into its role as Oregon's urban research university, Maseeh College is leading the way—tackling challenges in Power & Energy, Infrastructure, AI, Cybersecurity, Climate, and Semiconductors with an approach that's distinctly Portland: collaborative, innovative, and committed to equity.
The future we're building is bright, and it's one where talent from every background has the opportunity to thrive and lead. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Sincerely,
Dean Joseph Bull