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The Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Five old headshot photos of former ISE department heads side-by-side.

Department Heads

Over its long history, the NC State ISE Department has been led by 10 different department heads starting with Frank E. Gloseclose in 1938.

Last Updated: 07/22/2026 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date

Portrait of Frank E. Groseclose, who served as department head from 1938 through 1942.
Frank E. Groseclose (1938-1942)
Portrait of David E. Henderson, who served as head of the department from 1947 through 1954.
David E. Henderson (1947-1954)
Portrait of Robert G. Carson, Jr., who served as head of the department from 1955 through 1957.
Robert G. Carson, Jr. (1955-1957)
Portrait of Clifton A. Anderson, who served as department head from 1957 through 1973.
Clifton A. Anderson (1957-1973)
Portrait of William A. Smith, who served as department head from 1973 through 1982.
William A. Smith (1973-1982)
Portrait of Thom J. Hodgson, who served as head from 1983 through 1990.
Thom J. Hodgson (1983-1990)
Portrait of Stephen D. Roberts, who served as department head from 1990 through 1999.
Stephen D. Roberts (1990-1999)
Portrait of James R. Wilson, who served as head from 1999 through 2007.
James R. Wilson (1999-2007)
Portrait of Paul H. Cohen, who served as department head from 2007 through 2017.
Paul H. Cohen (2007-2017)
Portrait of Julie L. Swann, who currently serves as head since 2017.
Julie L. Swann (2017-Present)
I Want to See the Short Version of ISE History
I Want to See the Full Version of ISE History
I Want to See the Timeline of ISE History

The History of ISE Department Heads

The history of Industrial and Systems Engineering at NC State shows the power of strong leadership. From its earliest days, department heads guided the program through hardship, growth and change. During the Great Depression, leaders such as Wallace Riddick and Howard Shaw laid the foundation. Although resources were limited, they created a clear vision for engineering education.

After World War II, David Henderson rebuilt the department with energy and focus. As veterans returned to campus, he expanded enrollment and secured accreditation. Because of his steady leadership, the program regained momentum. Soon after, Clifton Anderson modernized the curriculum and pushed for national recognition. Under his guidance, the department launched its Ph.D. program and strengthened its research profile.

In the decades that followed, leaders such as William Smith, Stephen Roberts and Jim Wilson supported rapid growth. They expanded research centers, increased enrollment and built strong student organizations. At the same time, they protected academic quality and strategic direction. Later, Thom Hodgson and others advanced national distinction and industry partnerships. Their leadership prepared the department for major philanthropy and transformation.

When Ed Fitts made his historic gift, department leaders ensured those funds expanded scholarships and research. More recently, Julie Swann has emphasized outreach, inclusion, and emerging research fields. As a result, the department continues to evolve with purpose.

Good leadership provides vision during uncertainty and direction during growth. Because each department head built on the work of predecessors, the program stands strong today. Ultimately, the success of NC State ISE reflects leaders who planned boldly, served faithfully and prepared the next generation to lead.