Monmouth College’s engineering program has achieved a major milestone – official accreditation by ABET, the global standard in engineering and technology education – marking a significant moment for both the college and its STEM ambitions.
ABET accreditation affirms that Monmouth’s engineering curriculum meets the rigorous standards necessary to prepare graduates for leadership in essential STEM fields, from advanced manufacturing to clean energy to national research labs.
“This is a tremendous step forward for Monmouth and for our students,” said Chris Fasano, the Martha S. Pattee Professor of Science and a founding faculty member of the engineering program. “ABET accreditation confirms what we’ve known all along – that we’re delivering an engineering education that’s both academically rigorous and deeply personal.”
Prepared for success
Launched in 2019, Monmouth’s engineering program has quickly matured, graduating its first class in 2023. In May of this year, Noelle Faulk became the college’s first female engineering graduate. Students benefit from small class sizes, close faculty mentorship and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for advanced opportunities.
Monmouth President Patricia Draves praised the accreditation as both a validation and a point of emphasis.
“This recognition reflects years of thoughtful planning, hard work and commitment from our faculty and staff,” she said. “It also positions us to continue growing a program that serves both our students and the broader needs of the region and the world.”
The ABET review process included a comprehensive on-site evaluation last fall. Monmouth College engaged external consultants from the University of North Florida and Kevin Truman, a Monmouth alumnus, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, to refine its assessment processes. Since its launch, the program has evolved to focus on mechanical and electrical engineering – two of the most in-demand fields.
The personal touch
One hallmark of Monmouth’s program is the individual attention students receive.
“In large programs, it’s easy for students to feel like just another face,” said engineering and physics professor Shahed Quadir. “Here at Monmouth, we know them by name, we know their goals and we get to celebrate their progress. That close connection makes a difference in their success, both now and in the future.”
That approach is already paying dividends with current students and alumni. This summer, three seniors – engineering majors Gianna Maughan and Lizzy Durfee and physics major Bronte de Zwart – were selected to contribute to the Mu2e research project at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, one of the nation’s premier scientific institutions.
Monmouth engineering graduates are also making their mark after graduation, contributing their skills at respected organizations across the country, including Farnsworth Group, Halliburton, Navistar, The Hill Group and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The program’s growing reputation is attracting top students – 25% of the college’s full-ride scholarship recipients for the 2025-26 academic year have declared engineering as their major.
“ABET accreditation is not just a credential – it’s a signal to students and families that Monmouth is serious about preparing engineers who are ready to lead,” said Draves. “This is a proud day for the college, and an exciting one for our future.”
What’s next?
Building on this momentum, Monmouth recently received a nearly $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to launch its FLASH initiative (Focus on Learning for All with STEM as a Home). Over the next six years, FLASH will provide substantial scholarships and academic support to talented, Pell Grant-eligible students in eight STEM disciplines, including engineering. The program will connect students with mentorship, research opportunities and career pathways – further positioning Monmouth as a regional leader in preparing the next generation of STEM professionals.
***Courtesy of Barry McNamara, Monmouth College***
