There’s a huge need for people with technical sophistication in society, according to Don Malzahn, professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering at Wichita State University. And there’s a need to communicate effectively with others inside and outside an organization.

That’s one reason why Malzahn is teaching an experimental “The Engineer as Leader” class this fall to 26 undergraduate students in the College of Engineering.

“Engineers have a difficult time understanding their potential in organizations, largely because of their problem-solving orientation and not working with others,” said Malzahn. “Call it the geek factor.”

The class is being offered at the recommendation of the Dean’s Industrial Board and the College of Engineering’s 2020 program.

“Very few universities have leadership programs in engineering for undergraduates,” said Malzahn. “Values and ethics are themes all the way through this class.”

During the semester, four successful engineering leaders are meeting with the students.

John Wadsworth, owner and CEO of Piping and Equipment in Wichita, and Julie-Ellen Acosta, vice president of Leadership Development at The Boeing Co., have already met with the class.

Upcoming guest lecturers are Lynn Bertuglia, managing director at Black and Veatch, and Bill Greer, recent vice president of Airbus, North America Engineering.

The class is studying leadership theory and leadership in the context of engineering. Students will complete leadership assessments, document personal reflections, analyze case studies and reading assignments, and participate in a team-based design project related to management skills.