Honoring the Retirement of Dr. Kimberly Warren
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNC Charlotte proudly congratulates Dr. Kimberly Warren on her retirement, marking the close of a 20-year career dedicated to research, engineering education,and student success.
Dr. Warren has served as an Associate Professor, and in leadership roles as the Director of Student Learning and Assessment and as the Associate Department Chair. She has been a driving force behind initiatives that enriched the academic experience and strengthened the department’s commitment to student-centered learning. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom, serving as a faculty advisor for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) earlier in her career and more recently as a faculty mentor for our American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student organization. She has always mentored both undergraduate and graduate students with passion and purpose.
Reflecting on her career, Dr. Warren was proud of her research work that supported the development of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) bridge abutments in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These large-scale, field-based demonstrations helped the FHWA advance cost-saving engineering solutions now used across the United States.
As the Director of Student Learning and Assessment, she led the department through two flawless ABET accreditation cycles and authored both comprehensive self-studies. Her efforts earned her two Excellence in Assessment Awards from the Assessment Office within Academic Affairs. Dr. Warren also championed initiatives related to student success. She has received both the Undergraduate and Graduate College of Engineering Teaching Awards. She was a founding member of a long-term committee and program that successfully improved and continues to support student success on the Fundamental of Engineering exam. She conducted engineering education research to integrate teaching innovations in the classroom. More recently, Dr. Warren worked to develop and facilitate CEE programs that support the professional development of students and increase student engagement with our industry professionals.
Over the years, Dr. Warren has watched the department grow in size and strength from the early days in Cameron Hall to our current home in the state-of-the-art EPIC building. Through all the change, she believes the department’s close-knit, supportive culture has remained constant. “We’ve always had a unique student-faculty relationship,” she said. “Our open-door environment is part of what makes CEE at UNC Charlotte so special.”
When asked about the most rewarding aspect of her career, Dr. Warren didn’t hesitate: “Seeing students succeed and reach their goals—that’s always been the most fulfilling part of the job.” She finds particular joy in seeing her former graduate students thrive in leadership roles, and in more recent years, supporting our outstanding CEE undergraduate students as they compete in their Steel Bridge and Concrete Canoe competitions at both the regional and national levels. “It is heartwarming to see the technical and leadership skills that our students have developed as a result of our program and the hard work of the faculty. My experiences with the students and my love for teaching is what I will miss the most.”
When asked for her advice to the next generation of civil and environmental engineers, she responded with: “Work hard and with purpose, find your passion, and always maintain integrity. Take advantage of the opportunities that are right in front of you.”
As she moves into the next chapter of her life, Dr. Warren states, . “I’m looking forward to simplifying my life, focusing on health and happiness, and finding new ways to grow,” she shared. Dr. Warren leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence and unwavering dedication to this department and the students. She will be deeply missed.
Thank you, Dr. Warren, for 20 years of service, mentorship, and leadership. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter.