Before I introduce myself, I wanted to start by acknowledging the outgoing chair, Larry Bowman. I know I speak for everyone when I say, “Thank you, Larry, for your continued service and dedication to the Department over these many years.”
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Gayle Lanier, and I received my bachelor’s degree from the ISE Department in 1982. I have had the good fortune to have served NC State in many capacities, including the Board of Trustees. In 2007, I became the first woman to be named a distinguished alumna for the ISE department. It is now my honor to serve as the first woman chair of the ISE Advisory Board, my home department.
During these challenging times, it is easy to dwell on the negative. But if we allow ourselves to be distracted, we will miss some of the fantastic people, events and successes that are happening every day.
On that point, I am excited to see the progress the Department is making on their transition into the beautiful Fitts-Woolard Hall. This building is state-of-the-art and filled with all of the latest technologies. It is truly a sight to see. This building is one thing the COVID-19 could not deter in 2020. We thank Ed Fitts and Ed Woolard for their continued contributions to NC State and naming this newest addition to Centennial Campus.
Like my predecessors, I encourage everyone interested in industrial and systems engineering at NC State to find a way to get connected. In the middle of this magazine is 9 Ways to Partner with ISE. Please take a look, and if one speaks to you, give us a call.
GO PACK!
Gayle Lanier, BSIE 1982