Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced that Dr. Laura J. Steinberg, former dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the University’s Campus, Planning, Design and Construction (CDPC) operations. Steinberg will begin the assessment this summer and will serve as Special Assistant to the Chancellor. She will complete her assessment and submit her recommendations to the Chancellor by Dec. 31.
Steinberg will make recommendations to the Chancellor on how to improve the overall operations and efficiencies of the Office of Campus, Planning, Design and Construction (CPDC). The office currently manages all aspects of design, planning and construction of University facilities and buildings. The CPDC is also responsible for the Capital Project Planning process, the Capital Projects Fund and serves as a liaison with governmental and land development agencies. Steinberg’s work will include examining how peer institutions manage these functions and exploring best practices throughout higher education.
Steinberg is an internationally known civil and environmental engineering scholar whose research has focused on urban infrastructure and sustainability, urban disaster management, environmental modeling and impact assessment, and diffusion of technological innovation.
“Laura’s knowledge, academic leadership experience and national reputation in civil and urban engineering, design and built environments will be a great asset to the University,” says Chancellor Syverud. “Her contributions will help ensure a top-quality overall campus physical environment that supports and enhances the student experience.”
“I am honored to be tapped by the Chancellor for this position. As we look ahead to the implementation of the Campus Framework, the University will need to ensure that it is bringing best-in-class practices to bear on all its design and construction activities,” says Steinberg.
As part of this effort, Steinberg will work closely with Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Louis Marcoccia; newly appointed Vice President and Chief Campus Facilities Officer Peter Sala; CDPC Director Eric Beattie; Dean Emerita and College of Arts and Sciences Professor Cathryn Newton, Provost Faculty Fellow and member of the University’s Campus Framework Advisory Group; and other campus community stakeholders.
