Women in Engineering Director Named to National Post

Glenda La RueGlenda La Rue, director of Ohio State’s Women in Engineering program, has been appointed president-elect of the Women in Engineering ProActive Network (WEPAN), a national organization and catalyst for transforming culture in engineering education to promote the success of all women.

La Rue, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Virginia Tech, joined Ohio State in 2003 after working as a water resources engineer for 10 years. She oversees programs to recruit and retain women engineering students and develops outreach programs to introduce K-12 students to the exciting career opportunities in engineering. In addition to her duties as director of Women in Engineering, La Rue serves as a Society of Women Engineers section adviser and is active in the Junior League of Columbus' outreach programs targeted to improving the lives of children in the community.

Since joining WEPAN, La Rue has served as member and co-chair of the Awards Committee. She has also served a term in the Communications Advisory Committee. In 2006, La Rue received WEPAN’s Women in Engineering Initiative Award, which recognizes Ohio State’s Women in Engineering program for serving as a model for other women in engineering programs seeking to increase the number of women in engineering.

The Women in Engineering program at Ohio State was established in 1979 to increase the participation of women within the engineering profession. The program concentrates on recruiting, retaining, and advising women, as well as establishing close relationships with industry. Today, Women in Engineering provides academic, professional and personal support for female students from kindergarten through graduate school.

WEPAN was founded in 1990 and serves as a catalyst, advocate and leading resource for institutional and national change that will result in the full participation of women in engineering.