In celebration of Women’s History Month, we honor Ranu Jung, who made history as the first female interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computing (2015-17). Her leadership journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of breaking barriers in engineering and computing.
An Engineer’s Approach to Historic Leadership
Jung approached leadership with the mindset of an engineer—thinking from a systems perspective, applying creativity and rigor to problem-solving, and focusing on the deployment of solutions. With a background in electronics and communications engineering, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience, her multidisciplinary expertise allowed her to teach across electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, and physiology programs while conducting research at the intersection of these fields. When she stepped into the role of interim dean, she did so with confidence, knowing that her core training and broad experience would support her in engaging with students, staff, and faculty while managing a complex academic enterprise. Reflecting on that time, she shared, “Each challenge is an opportunity.” Under her leadership, the college prepared to embark on the FIU Beyond Possible 2020 strategic plan and meet Florida’s newly established performance metrics.
Building a Legacy Through Lasting Initiatives
During her tenure as interim dean, Jung led impactful initiatives that continue to shape the College of Engineering and Computing. The annual report provides a comprehensive summary of her contributions.
Among the lasting initiatives she championed are Women of CEC, the Student Design Showcase, support for the launch of a Master’s in Logistics Engineering, and the introduction of art exhibitions to the engineering building.
- The Women of CEC program was designed to increase the number of women pursuing STEM careers, particularly in engineering. The College recognized and celebrated outstanding academic advisors, highlighted the achievements of women in engineering through the “Breaking Barriers” web stories, organized engineering forums led by female engineers from industry partners, and held welcoming luncheons for incoming students each fall and spring.
- The Student Design Showcase was another pioneering initiative. For the first time, students showcased their team and club projects at the main campus, featuring projects like the concrete canoe, eco-car, and even a plane. Most of the projects had been originally designed for regional, national, and international competitions, or as part of the senior design day at the College. This event allowed students to showcase their technical excellence to the wider university community.
- Jung also supported the launch of the new Master’s in Logistics Engineering, with the supporting division being rebranded from Engineering Management to Enterprise and Logistics Engineering.
- Additionally, the College introduced art exhibitions at the engineering campus for the first time, in collaboration with the Honors College. The exhibitions included a sculpture display with installations outside the building, as well as a painting exhibition.
Overcoming Challenges and Breaking New Ground
Jung faced numerous challenges, but she viewed each as an opportunity for growth and progress. One of the biggest hurdles was not solely being a woman in leadership but navigating a period of significant change within the College. She had to address multiple administrative leadership transitions in a short timeframe while advancing key institutional goals.
“Sometimes people have preconceived ideas of what a woman can or cannot do—but having navigated ‘being first’ many times, I’ve learned to always look forward,” Jung reflected.
Her ability to wear multiple hats, remain adaptable, and push forward despite obstacles became her greatest assets. She had long been accustomed to breaking barriers, having been the only female student in her undergraduate electronics cohort, the only woman in her doctoral research lab, the only female faculty member in her first academic position, the only woman serving as a department chair in engineering at FIU, and ultimately, the first female interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computing.
At the time of her appointment, the University had just launched the FIU Beyond 2020 Strategic Goals, and Florida had introduced new performance metrics. Jung quickly mobilized efforts to improve student retention and graduation rates, increase research output and expenditures, enhance physical infrastructure, recruit new faculty, and elevate the College’s external recognition. Her leadership focused on aligning the College’s organizational structure with strategic objectives, fostering innovation, and positioning the College as a driving force for future success.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in STEM
Throughout her career, Jung has shown that bold aspirations are for everyone.
“I have been fortunate to be a role model for women in engineering and computing, but most importantly, to illustrate to all (women and men) that reaching for bold goals is a mindset one should not shy away from,” she shared.
Her research and leadership have highlighted the power of teamwork, perseverance, and celebrating collective success. As interim dean, she championed initiatives that encouraged confidence, adaptability, and innovation—leaving a lasting impact on the College. Her advice to future leaders: Be bold, move forward with confidence, and strive to make an impact with empathy.