In a lecture Tuesday night, a dean from Howard University said the field of engineering isn’t alone in lacking diversity.

Aside from engineering, math and the sciences also show a lack of diversity, said James Johnson, professor of civil engineering and dean of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences at Howard University, in the lecture, given at the Alliant Energy-Lee Liu Auditorium in Howe Hall.

“Engineering can help make your dreams a reality,” Johnson said. “You can always build upon an engineering education. It should be viewed as a gateway to a lot of opportunities.”

Johnson said nearly $400 million is allocated annually to promote greater understanding and diversity in engineering and the sciences but, overall, the expenditure is essentially a waste.

“Engineering is not perceived as a profession that appeals to all demographics,” Johnson said. “Most people don’t understand what engineers do – it’s usually just viewed as a secure job where you can make some good money.”

Johnson said that, of all minority high school graduates, only 4 percent are eligible to obtain an engineering education based on their grades, and only half of those who are eligible actually go on to obtain the necessary education.

After his lecture, Johnson took questions relating to faculty diversity and the overall recruiting and retention of minority faculty members. He said educators need to use a diverse perspective when thinking about career potential and the recruitment of other diverse professors.

“One diverse faculty member will bring another,” Johnson said.

Johnson said educators need to be “passionate” about what they do in order to be effective.

James Alleman, professor and chairman of civil, construction and environmental engineering at Iowa State, said educators are partially responsible for the views students have on engineering.

“I think it’s partially on our shoulders as educators to break the stereotypes that currently lie in engineering as a field,” Alleman said. “We toil behind the scenes and they don’t really have much reason to change their opinions.”

Kathryn Strother, sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication, said the issues Johnson brought to the table were applicable to more than just education and engineering.

“I’m not an engineering major, but getting to know people on a personal level instead of assuming is something that everyone can apply to their everyday lives,” Strother said.

Johnson said if he had one message to give students, it is that engineering is an area that can be built upon and that it can open the doors to a satisfying career with the ability to make a difference in the world.

“Engineers can get MBAs, but students in the School of Business can’t necessarily get a master’s degree in engineering,” Johnson said. “Engineers can go to medical school, dental school, law school and have the ability to make a difference in the world.”