Steven Mickelson, Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been named Director of Assessment for the College of Engineering, a position he assumed effective July 1.

Dr. Mickelson will continue to fulfill his primary responsibilities to the ABE department while directing activities to promote and assess student learning for the college as a whole. He will chair the Student Learning Task Force and work with the associate and assistant deans to coordinate accreditation activities for academic programs in the college in concert with departmental and university efforts.

The appointment reaffirms the College of Engineering’s commitment to excellence in its educational mission, and recognizes Dr. Mickelson's experience with and dedication to learning, teaching, and assessment. Dr. Mickelson will work with faculty and staff to leverage best practices, joint activities, and resources, focusing on a common goal of helping our students succeed.

Dr. Mickelson received agricultural engineering degrees from Iowa State in 1982, 1984, and 1991. His teaching specialties include computer-aided graphics, engineering design, soil and water conservation engineering, and land surveying. His research activities include soil quality evaluation using x-ray tomography, evaluation of best management practices for reducing surface and groundwater contamination, and manure management evaluation for the protection of water resources. He has also published several papers related to the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Dr. Mickelson has been active in the American Society for Engineering Education and the American Society for Agricultural Engineers, assuming several leadership roles. In 2002, he was recognized as both the VEISHEA Outstanding Faculty member of the Year and VEISHEA Outstanding Engineering Professor of the Year.