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Overview, History and Leadership

Academic and research programs in bioengineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering and system science are now offered to more than 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students each year.

The Watson School is committed to serving a talented and diverse student community through the most advanced methods of teaching in state-of-the-art facilities. The School's outreach to local and regional industries has surpassed every expectation of the founders of the School. More than 2,220 jobs have been created or retained with the assistance of the Watson School's research centers and engineering extension programs since these outreach programs were first initiated in 1991.

Learn more about the Watson School Founders

Watson School Milestones

1983
Founding of Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science

Appointment of Watson School Founding Dean Lyle D. Feisel

First graduate engineering students admitted

1984
First undergraduate Electrical Engineering junior level students admitted

1985
First undergraduate Mechanical Engineering junior level students admitted

1986
First class of Electrical Engineering students graduate

First graduate Industrial Engineering students admitted

Watson School Advisory Committee established

1987
First class of Mechanical Engineering students graduate

Electrical Engineering program accredited retroactive to first graduation

Computer Science undergraduate program transferred to Watson

Master of Science in Computer Science degree authorized

1988
Mechanical Engineering program accredited retroactive to first graduation

Institute for Research in Electronics Packaging formed

1989
Computer Science accredited

1990
Integrated Electronics Engineering Consortium formed

Center for Computing Technologies established

1991
National Science Foundation approves State/Industry University

Cooperative Research Center to establish Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC)

Tau Beta Pi engineering honors society founded on campus

1993
National Society of Black Engineers student chapter formed

1994
System Science merged with Industrial Engineering

Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR) established

EngiNet distance education graduate engineering program established

1995
First freshmen engineering class admitted

Division of Engineering Design common lower division program launched

International Studies Certificate program introduced

1996
Center for Intelligent Systems established

1997
Master of Engineering degree offered

National Science Foundation Alliance for Minority Participation grant establishes Binghamton Success Program

1998
Original Watson School Founders honored

Patrick A. Toole Lectures on Engineering Leadership launched

J. Donald Ahearn provides first "named gift" to establish electrical engineering instructional laboratories

1999
First undergraduate Computer Engineering students admitted

First undergraduate Industrial & Systems Engineering students admitted

Watson School Founders Awards launched

2000
Gary and Natasha Kunis donate University's first $1 million alumni gift for students, facilities and infrastructure

BAE's William Berical named chair of Watson School Advisory Committee

2001
First class of undergraduate Computer Engineering students graduate

First class of undergraduate Industrial & Systems Engineering students graduate

Founding Dean Lyle D. Feisel retires

Charles R. Westgate joins the Watson School as Dean

Computer Engineering program accredited

Industrial & Systems Engineering program accredited

Materials Engineering program launched

2002
Department of Electrical Engineering renamed Electrical and Computing Engineering

Division of Engineering Design renamed Engineering Discovery and Design

Department of Bioengineering launched

2003
THE WATSON SCHOOL CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

Watson School History

Today's Watson School was founded in 1983 and is named for IBM Corporation founder Thomas J. Watson. While the school's official presence may seem relatively young, the organization's legacy encompasses a longer standing history of learning and research. The Watson School foundations can be traced to the graduate programs of the School of Advanced Technology and the undergraduate computer science and engineering technology offerings of the School of General Studies and Professional Education.

In establishing the Watson School, Binghamton University created an organization that could offer comprehensive undergraduate and graduate engineering programs. The Watson School programs respond and lead - not only in the Southern Tier and New York State - but across the nation and around the globe.

Watson School Leaders - A Historical Review

Charles Roger Westgate
Dean
2001-Present

Lyle D. Feisel
Founding Dean
1983-2001

Pre-Watson Leaders

Walter Lowen
Founding Dean
School of Advanced Technology

John Granito
Dean
School of General Studies and Professional Education
when engineering technology programs transferred

James C. Votruba
Dean
School of General Studies and Professional Education/
School of Education and Human Development
when computer science programs transferred

"There is no saturation point in education."

Thomas J. Watson
Founder of IBM Corporation
1874-1956