Miami Presents: Inside Engineering and Computing - Looking Back at Systems Analysis 

Founded in 1963, Miami University’s Systems Analysis major was among the first of its kind in the United States.  Nearly 60 years later, the legacy of that original program is still a point of pride for the faculty, staff, and alumni who were in the forefront of using computer science and mathematical modeling (operations research) to improve decision making in organizations and business by using a systems thinking perspective.

Today, the Computer Science and Software Engineering major is the most popular in the College of Engineering and Computing.  Miami and SANS alumni & friends are invited to join us for a special presentation discussing and reflecting on the history and evolution of Systems Analysis, one of Miami’s most groundbreaking programs, with:  

- Beena Sukumaran, CEC Dean

- Louise Morman '75, Executive Director of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute 

- Tom Schaber, Emeritus Professor of Systems Analysis

Dr. Beena Sukumaran became dean of Miami's College of Engineering and Computing in August 2020. She previously served as vice president for research at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. Beena received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the College of Engineering in Trivandrum, India, and a master’s in civil engineering from Auburn University. She earned a doctorate from Purdue University. While at Rowan, Sukumaran was principal investigator of a $1.92 million National Science Foundation grant, titled Revolutionizing Engineering Diversity, which looked at various strategies to enhance the diversity and success of the student population.

Louise Morman ‘75 is Executive Director of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute in the College of Engineering and Computing at Miami University.  Louise is an experienced management consultant and executive coach who focuses in the areas of strategic planning, energy, and sustainability.  She has enjoyed a long career as a senior management executive for three major energy companies, most recently as Senior Vice President, Marketing, Supply Planning and Economic Development for the New York Power Authority.  Majoring in Systems Analysis, Louise earned a bachelor’s degree from Miami University, an M.B.A. from Wright State and an M.A. in Leadership and Transformational Learning from New York University.  Louise returned to Miami University in 2011 to start the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute to cultivate leaders in their profession.

Dr. Tom Schaber is a retired professor of Systems Analysis at Miami University.  Tom completed his bachelor’s degree in Economics, M.B.A. in Finance and Ph.D. in Operations Research at the University of Cincinnati.  He began his teaching career at UC in 1965, and joined the faculty at Miami University teaching Systems Analysis in 1973.  He retired from the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Miami in 2007.  With more than 40 years of investment experience, he founded Investing for Retirement, LLC. in 2012.  Tom also currently teaches racquetball for the Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health in the College of Education, Health and Society at Miami University.

The webinar is free and all are welcome, but registration is required.  Questions can be directed to Mollie Young at youngmr@miamioh.edu.