Daniels Hall, 1948

Of all the departments and fields of study that North Carolina State University offers, the ECE Department has one of the longest histories. Dating back to 1893, the first Electrical Engineering course was offered, and became the first NCSU course ever labeled “engineering.” In 1900, the first Electrical Engineering degrees were awarded, and the first Electrical Engineering laboratory was established. As the years progressed, so did the curriculum and prestige of the department.

Through building moves, name changes, and program expansion, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department has become a prominent staple in the engineering community. You can read more about the intriguing past by viewing the documented history on the right, or you can read more about the current status of the department on the About page.

Departmental Highlights

Winston Hall was the first building primarily devoted to engineering activities; namely, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and the chemical department of the State Experiment Station.

The College name changed from the "North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts" to the "North Carolina State College of Agriculture and Engineering."

Lucille Thomson became the first woman ever to enroll at NC State. She enrolled in electrical engineering.

The School of Engineering was formed, consisting of the Electrical Engineering Department, Civil Engineering Department, Physics Department, Textile Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

Electrical Engineering curricula accredited.

The first African-American graduate students enrolled at North Carolina State. Hardy Liston (mechanical engineering) and Robert L. Clemons (electrical engineering).

The first African-American undergraduate students entered NC State; all were engineering students. Walter Holmes enrolled in mechanical engineering with an aerospace option, and Irwin Holmes, Manuel Crockett, and Edward Carson enrolled in electrical engineering.

Robert L. Clemons became the first African American to receive a degree from NC State, when he received a professional degree in electrical engineering.

Irwin Holmes was the first African American to receive an undergraduate degree from NC State, when he received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.

Sarah A. Rajala joined the Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty and became the first woman PhD faculty member to join the College of Engineering.

The Microelectronics Center for North Carolina was established at NC State.

The Electric Power Research Center was established.

The Center for Robotics and Intelligent Machines was established. The Power Semiconductor Research Center was established.

The Center for Advanced Computing and Communications (CACC) reformed from the former Center for Communications and Signal Processing, established in 1982.

Engineering Graduate Research Center building construction completed.

Engineering Graduate Research Center opens, shared by ECE and CSC. Partners I building construction complete.

Ground is broken on Engineering Building II.

Engineering Building II completed; ECE moves out of Daniels Hall.

Engineering Graduate Research Center (EGRC) on Centennial Campus has been renamed the Larry K. Monteith Engineering Research Center (MRC), after the former Chancellor, former Dean of Engineering, and former ECE Head Dr. Larry K. Monteith.