News and Events

Announcing “The Whole Engineer”:

A Practice-Oriented Program for Engineering Faculty

We are thrilled to share the launch of a groundbreaking new initiative: The Whole Engineer Program, now live!

Why “The Whole Engineer”?

Engineering failures are rarely just technical; they are often failures of character—rushed decisions, a lack of humility in the face of feedback, or ethical blind spots. Grounded in over a decade of research from Wake Forest University, the Oxford Character Project, and the Ivey Business School, this program addresses the core reality that character is just as critical as competence in professional formation.

The Visionaries Behind the Program

The curriculum is led by a world-class team of experts who bridge the gap between engineering mastery and leadership character:

• Dr. Olga Pierrakos: The primary architect of the “Whole Engineer” concept and Founding Chair of Wake Forest University Engineering. Dr. Pierrakos has led national efforts to integrate human flourishing into engineering education.

• Dr. Corey Crossan: Founder of Virtuosity Character and a research fellow at The Oxford Character Project, specializing in how character can be embedded into organizations through daily practice.

• Dr. Mary Crossan: A Distinguished University Professor at the Ivey Business School and leading researcher on organizational learning and leader character.

Program Highlights

Starting in March 2026, this six-session virtual program will guide a select group of 25 faculty members through a series of “Mission-Critical Challenges”. Participants will:

• Map Virtues to Teaching: Identify how character dimensions like integrity, collaboration, and judgment drive persistent issues in the classroom.

• Design Interventions: Create ready-to-implement learning experiences and Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs) that help students practice ethical decision-making under pressure.

• Earn Certification: Faculty who complete the program will receive a Whole Engineer Certificate, validating their commitment to educating responsible, ethical future engineers.

Get Involved

As we continue to explore the folklore, history, and future of our local community and its institutions, the integration of character into our professional lives remains a vital theme. We encourage our network of educators and leaders to explore this program and join the movement toward a more human-centered engineering future.

Registration is now open. 

For full schedule details and to watch the program overview video, click below.