A Powerhouse Program Begins With a Steady Proponent

After retiring in 2017, Sharon ONeal was called upon to lead the launch of the College of Engineering’s software engineering program. She decided working with students would be “a cool adventure.”

David Hahn, the Craig M. Berge Dean of the College, asked ONeal to work with faculty to create an industry-aligned bachelor’s program and begin instructing students, building on her career and experiences teaching and mentoring in the college. Since that beginning two years ago, the BS program has attracted 177 students majoring or minoring in software engineering, and the college has opened up graduate programs, as well as offerings at University of Arizona Online and the Yuma campus, with plans to extend to Chandler.

And the students?

“They’re learning from the knowledge I gained over my 35-year career. But, at the same time, I'm getting a lot back from them. I walk into the classroom and fall in love with my students and watch them apply the knowledge and skills they are gaining while working on real-world projects,” said the systems and industrial engineering professor of practice.

ONeal was the ideal galvanizer for the much-needed program, which saw its first graduate in December 2023, said Hahn.

“Sharon is an incredibly accomplished professional who managed more than 500 engineers at Raytheon,” he said. “In addition to being a thought leader on software engineering, she cares deeply about students and contributes to their success through scholarship and mentorship. She even goes beyond that service to philanthropic giving. Sharon inspires others in many ways.”

For student Samantha Perry, now a junior and president of the Software Engineering Wildcats club, seeing a presentation from ONeal during her first year decided her major.

“Sharon was so enthusiastic about the new program,” she said. “I trusted Sharon and her abilities to create a program where I could truly apply my desire to be an engineer but follow my passions for coding and technology.”