Jeffrey Carvell ’06, the inaugural Chair of Butler’s new Engineering program, says he “fell in love” with Butler long before his first day of class.

“When my mom and I first drove from the suburbs of Chicago onto campus for a tour, the minute we stepped out of the car, we knew our decision would be ‘yes’ right then and there,” he recalls. “It felt like home.”

Carvell went on to graduate with a Butler Physics degree and a Purdue Electrical Engineering degree through Butler’s former Engineering Dual Degree Program (EDDP) partnership. Now, he’s thrilled to be “back home” for this new chapter for Butler Engineering. In August 2025, the University introduced its own Engineering program consisting of three majors within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences—Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering—set to launch in fall 2026. After serving as Interim Dean of Marian University’s Witchger School of Engineering, Carvell’s return is marked by both pride in Butler’s 26 years of EDDP excellence and excitement for what lies ahead.

“We’re not starting this from scratch—we’ve listened to the industry and employers about how they recognize when they have a Butler Engineering student and what sets them apart,” he says. “The feedback was consistent: Butler interns and graduates stood out not only because of their knowledge and abilities, but also their ability to communicate and apply the social aspects and economic impacts of their work. The liberal arts tradition builds a different type of engineer.”

Carvell’s vision for Butler’s Engineering program reflects this combination of technical expertise and interpersonal professionalism. Butler’s liberal arts core will be integrated into every course Engineering students take from their first year through graduation, with an industry-informed grading system designed around the skills and attributes employers value in rising graduates.

This competency-based approach shapes how students will be assessed. Students will use digital simulators, 3D design software, CNC machines, laser cutters, and 3D printers, in addition to the theoretical foundation of an interdisciplinary STEM curriculum. Students will also be evaluated on how well they respond to feedback, share ideas, cope with setbacks, and collaborate with their team.

“Critical thinking, ethical decision making, communication skills—these things aren’t always a focus elsewhere,” Carvell says. “We want to train human-centered engineers: people who can solve complex engineering problems and also lead teams and consider the societal impacts of their work.”

Carvell says he’s grateful to be leading and teaching at a university that already incorporates local service-learning into the curriculum. With the Indiana Economic Development Corporation reporting a growing gap between engineering jobs and qualified graduates, he sees Butler’s program as a chance to meet a real need.

“My goal, especially for the gap in Indiana, is to bring in, teach, and train high-quality engineers and encourage and reward them to stay here in Indiana to serve the community,” he says. “To think globally but be able to apply their knowledge locally.”

And he knows Butler alumni will be critical partners in that mission. Carvell hopes to continue fostering relationships with EDDP graduates as the program prepares for its launch, inviting them to share their experience with students in ways both big and small—whether that’s joining advisory boards, team leading senior projects, or even grabbing coffee to mentor a future engineer.

“With our rich history, there’s so much to build upon here,” Carvell says to graduates looking to contribute. “You are welcome and you’re wanted.”

Interested in helping Butler Engineering students? Have questions about the new program? Reach out to engineering@butler.edu.