College of Engineering Increases Outreach Capability

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly College of Engineering has hired an outreach coordinator to oversee and expand programs that expose underrepresented K-12 and community college students to the field of engineering.

In her new position, alumna Teana Fredeen (AERO ’91) will strive to continue Cal Poly’s trend-bucking application and admission rates, which persist although engineering enrollment has slowed down at many other universities across the nation.

“Cal Poly is very fortunate to attract a high number of qualified freshmen interested in engineering, but that is not the norm at most schools,” said Stacey Breitenbach, CENG assistant dean for student affairs. “Based on the projected number of current engineers who will be retiring in the near future, the nation needs to fill these positions to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and has the engineers necessary to solve the many challenges facing society.”

Fredeen will oversee an already vibrant roster of outreach activities. She will work with the Multicultural Engineering Program, Women’s Engineering Program, and Engineering Student Council on ongoing outreach efforts, and will oversee new programs, such as Exploring Engineering and the Engineering Days Summer Camp, which expose K-12 students to hands-on engineering activities.

In addition, Fredeen will help develop new outreach initiatives with a focus on attracting underrepresented students, including women and low-income students, to the field of engineering.

“This new position is critical to the college in order to expand outreach efforts, raise awareness of the many careers available in engineering, and increase future engineering pools,” said Breitenbach. “I have no doubt that Teana will be able to accomplish these goals.”

Fredeen has worked in the computer and telecom industry for 17 years. Following her graduation from Cal Poly, she worked as a regional sales manager and marketing manager for Ziatech/Intel. She is a founding member of the Cal Poly Women’s Engineering Program Industry Advisory Board.

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