The College of Engineering has named Alyson Ballew as associate director of the Master of Science in Engineering program, an online program ranked as one of the best online graduate engineering programs by U.S. News and World Report.

She was an ideal choice because of her nearly four years' experience as program specialist and because she's well-versed in the advantages of online degree programs from her own higher education studies.

"We're so grateful to have Alyson move into this important role," said Kevin Hall, associate dean for academics in engineering. "Alyson has been a key contributor to the program's great success for several years now, and we look forward to her leadership in growing the program and increasing its reach to even more students."

The program's new director, Burak Eksioglu, said the main focus over the next few years will be growing the program and its diversity.

"I look forward to working closely with Alyson, who has already proven to be a valuable asset for our program," Eksioglu said.

Ballew joined the College of Engineering in 2019 as the Master of Science in Engineering program specialist. Ballew previously worked in the U of A treasurer's office for nearly two years and for the ESOL Institute in the College of Education and Health Professions for three years.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Miami University and a Master of Education in human resources and workforce development from the University of Arkansas. She is working toward a doctorate in education she expects to complete in 2025.

"I'm so excited to help lead this program, knowing first-hand how the option to complete a degree 100 percent online opens up so many opportunities for working people who may also being raising children, caring for parents and many other responsibilities," she said.

During the 2021-22 academic year, Ballew was one of 25 students to receive the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship for U of A students.

The Master of Science in Engineering program is ideal for working professionals who have earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering or computer science who seek to take graduate-level courses in a variety of engineering topics. The program incorporates classes from the traditional engineering disciplines, as well as engineering and operations management.