In Memorium—Professor Jeffrey E. Froyd

Abstract

It is with a mix of great sadness, respect, and gratitude that we reflect on the passing of Professor Jeffrey E. Froyd in October of 2022. We would like to first recall Jeff's many accomplishments for those who may not have had the privilege of knowing him. Jeff received a BS degree in mathematics from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and MS and PhD degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. He was an Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. At Rose-Hulman, he co-created the Integrated, First-Year Curriculum in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, which was recognized in 1997 with a Hesburgh Award Certificate of Excellence. In November 2017, he joined The Ohio State University Department of Engineering Education first as a professor and later as department chair, a role he would hold until his death. Jeff served as Project Director for a National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Education Coalition in which six institutions systematically renewed, assessed, and institutionalized innovative, integrated undergraduate engineering curricula. He served as a program co-chair for three IEEE Frontiers in Education Conferences and the general chair for the 2009 conference. He also served on the IEEE Curricula and Pedagogy Committee, which is part of the University Resources Committee within the Educational Activities Board. As an American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Fellow, an ABET Program Evaluator, a Senior Associate Editor and one-time interim Editor for the Journal of Engineering Education, and an Associate Editor for the International Journal of STEM Education, Jeff provided wisdom, guidance, and mentorship to countless scholars in the engineering education community. He published widely in the education literature, authoring foundational works on faculty development, curricular change processes, curriculum redesign, and assessment (Borrego et al., 2010; Borrego et al., 2014; Froyd et al., 2012; Froyd et al., 2013; Froyd et al., 2017; Froyd & Ohland, 2005; Mitchell & Benson, 2023). Personal reflection—John Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Education: Jeff was an IEEE fellow, prominent member of the IEEE Education Society and from 2013 to 2018 served as Editor in Chief of IEEE Transactions on Education. When I joined the IEEE Transactions on Education editorial board, I was aware of Jeff's work and his reputation as a leading figure in the field but did not know him personally. He often demonstrated what a true expert he was, not only in the wisdom that he shared and his ability to notice details that others missed, but in the kind and generous way that he would share this expertise. I certainly found this as he handed over the editorship of IEEE Transactions on Education to me. From conversations I have had with those that knew and worked with Jeff, one enduring sentiment pervades and is very much in keeping with my experience—while the legacy of work he leaves in public is hugely significant and will undoubtedly stand the test of time, the impact he had on the community through his mentorship and support of those early in their careers will surely eclipse this. He will be deeply missed by many. Personal reflection—Lisa Benson, Immediate Past Editor, Journal of Engineering Education: My first encounter with Jeff was at an ASEE conference about a decade ago, in a session where one of my graduate students was presenting. Jeff asked some really challenging questions, which, to be honest, rattled both my student and me. I later approached him to discuss his concerns about our work. He was open with his criticism, listened carefully to my responses to his questions, and gave constructive feedback. Many years later, and after many interactions with Jeff, I have come to understand and appreciate that this was his way: he was deeply committed to mentoring scholars in the field and helping emerging scholars identify resources as they developed their own careers. When I started my tenure as Editor of the Journal of Engineering Education in 2017, I immediately reached out to Jeff as I figured out what I was supposed to be doing. He was a good first stop—a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge about the field. But more importantly, he gave me advice that enabled me to trust my instincts and lead the journal in the direction I saw fit. I came to rely on his insight when sticky situations arose with authors or reviewers, or when I needed an impartial, expert