Sources: Noel Schulz, 785-532-5600, noels@k-state.edu; John English, 785-532-5590, jenglish@k-state.edu; Don Gruenbacher, 785-532-4692, grue@k-state.edu
Web: http://www.ieee.org/power
Bio: http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/nschulzbio.html
Photos available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-6415
Pronouncer: Noel rhymes with goal; Schulz sounds like schults
News release prepared by: Cheryl May, 785-532-6415, may@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

K-STATE'S NOEL SCHULZ NEW PRESIDENT-ELECT OF INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SOCIETY

MANHATTAN -- Noel Schulz, Kansas State University's first lady and Paslay professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been elected to lead the IEEE Power & Energy Society, a worldwide, non-profit association of more than 24,000 individuals engaged in the electric power energy industry.

In January, Noel Schulz will begin a six year term with two years as president-elect; two as president (2012-2013); and two years as past president.

"Dr. Schulz' election as president of an international engineering society not only reflects her considerable talents and skills as an engineering educator and leader, but also draws attention to K-State engineering as a burgeoning institution staffed with top-notch faculty," said John English, dean of the College of Engineering. "And we certainly can't overlook the impact of Dr. Schulz' accomplishment on our students, and young women across the campus in particular, as they look to her as an inspiring role model."

Schulz is a nationally recognized expert in power systems engineering who researches the use of computers, including intelligent systems, to solve problems in power system design, operations and controls. Her research has been funded by a variety of agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Departments of Defense, Energy and Homeland Security. She also works with electric utilities and power equipment manufacturers.

"As president-elect of the IEEE Power & Energy Society, Dr. Schulz will have an excellent platform to exhibit her leadership in smart grid technology systems," said Don Gruenbacher, head of the department of electrical and computer engineering. "I could not be more excited for our department to have someone of her status and background to be at the forefront in this area of emerging national importance."

In 2009, Schulz came to K-State with her husband, K-State President Kirk Schulz. She came from Mississippi State University, where she held an endowed professorship as the Tennessee Valley Authority Professor in power systems engineering.

As an administrator, Schulz has been actively involved in recruiting and retaining women in engineering, faculty development and encouraging international experiences in education. She has initiated faculty networks for women at two universities. She served as director of faculty development and women in engineering at Mississippi State for several years.

Her teaching interests include power systems, energy conversion, application of computer programs to power engineering, application of intelligent systems to engineering problems, fundamentals of electrical circuits, renewable and distributed generation and smart grid technologies.

Schulz has received a number of awards and belongs to the American Society for Engineering Education and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in electrical engineering, both from Virginia Tech, and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota.