The head of ISU Department of Computer Science will lead the world’s largest computer organization beginning in 2004.

Carl Chang, chairman of computer science and professor, was chosen as president-elect of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society, affectionately called “IEEE,” by winning an election by a 13 percent margin over another candidate.

Chang said he was happy to be elected because it is a form of peer recognition and shows that his colleagues think he is capable enough to handle the job.

“I’ve actually received some e-mails expressing condolences, though; apparently it’s a very time demanding job, and it is all volunteer — I won’t get paid for this,” he said.

Chang will officially become the president-elect in 2003, then the president in 2004, and the past president in 2005. He also serves as the vice president of the Computer Society and has been involved with IEEE since 1979. He has been active in international conferences, technical activities, publications and educational activities. Chang said he has many goals for IEEE under his leadership.

“I would like to see IEEE become a total information provider,” he said. “My goals operate around a VISA concept order, which stands for Vision, Interoperability, Strategy and Action. I think is very important that they stay in this order as well, with vision and people coming before strategy.”

IEEE is the oldest and largest computing association in the world with more than 100,000 members worldwide.

“IEEE is an umbrella of many societies and councils, and the computer society is one of these,” Chang stated.

His duties in IEEE have already increased, as he is the general chairman for two upcoming national conferences. The first will be held in Monterey Bay, Calif., in December, while the second will be held in Orlando, Fla., in January 2003. The Orlando conference is called SAINT, which stands for International Symposium on Applications and the Internet, and it allows Chang and other members of IEEE to work with a counterpart in Japan.

James Davis, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been involved with IEEE for a number of years.

He said the department is “very proud” of Chang’s accomplishment.

“This is a professional organization, and to be elected president is an extremely competitive process,” Davis said. “It is an extremely prestigious honor and a major career accomplishment for Professor Chang.

“To have the president of IEEE here at Iowa State is an honor because Professor Chang’s peers voted around the world,” he said. “He has provided leadership in IEEE in many ways and is most deserving of this position. We are very proud of him.”

Chang came to Iowa State July 1 after 18 years at the University of Chicago. “I was tired of the big city, and Ames is a very nice university town,” he said.

The “quality of the faculty” was another attraction, Chang said.

“People are very nice and supportive here, and as department chair I see great potential in my department,” he said. “There is very active research going on.”

Chang said he has an open-door policy and encourages faculty and students to visit him.