Dr. Graham is the first female head of the Departments of Engineering & Technology and Computer Science at Texas A&M University-Commerce. In her role of associate dean, she strategically guides the growth and development of 8 undergraduate and 2 graduate programs. As a transformational leader, she is passionate about engineering education and increasing the number of females in the STEM fields.

Understanding the critical need to diversify the engineering& technology disciplines, Andrea has committed her research efforts to understanding the perceptions of engineering among underserved groups, including females and African Americans. Since beginning her higher educational career journey in 2012, Dr. Graham has published nine (9) papers, given several academic talks, and obtained grants to hold summer engineering camps for middle school girls.

Dr. Graham’s commitment to service at the university has allowed her to chair and be a member of committees critical to not only the success of the student but the university as a whole. She currently is chair of the Undergraduate Appeals Committee and member of Academic Department Head Council. She also serves as the faculty advisor for Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and National Society of Black Engineers student organizations.

Dr. Graham holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering from University of Texas at Arlington, an MS degree in Technology Management from Stevens Institute of Technology and BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University. Andrea holds memberships in the Institute of Industrial Engineering, Society of Women Engineers, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, American Society of Engineering Education and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

As a staunch educator, Dr. Graham’s career mission and philosophy is that of a bridge builder. Building bridges, both literally and figuratively, that will eliminate the gap between academia and industry and create pathways to innovation and access to a better way of life for future generations.