Kate Baxter, a graduate of Columbia University’s Teachers College, has been named director of the Viterbi School’s newly created Women in Engineering (WIE) program and retention coordinator for the school.   

Baxter comes most recently from Columbia University’s Center for Career Education, where she worked extensively with the engineering population and served as the lead in the second annual Engineering Consortium Career Fair. Prior to Columbia, she worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Simmons College in a variety of student affairs roles, including orientation, student activities, and fraternity and sorority affairs.

Kate Baxter

“Kate brings valuable experience in developing first-year programs that will aid in our retention efforts," said Louise Yates, associate dean for Admissions and Student Affairs in the Viterbi School of Engineering.  

In her role as WIE director, Baxter will work on program development and provide resources and various academic and social outlets for the female engineering population.  She will also be working with and advising the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).    

As retention coordinator for the Viterbi School, Baxter will “ work closely with other staff in the Student Affairs area in developing programs for all students,” Yates said. “She will also work with the Industry Advisory Board (IAB) and other industry representatives in developing programs and providing opportunities for women engineers.”

Baxter earned her bachelor of arts degree in English in 1997 from Villanova University, PA, and her master's degree in higher education administration in 2000 from Columbia University’s Teachers College.