RIT engineering technology professor becomes president-elect of ASEE organization
Martin Gordon expands role with national organization to advance engineering education
RIT professor Martin Gordon was recently voted president-elect of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). Gordon, a professional engineer, professor, and director of external academic relations in RIT’s College of Engineering Technology (CET) is recognized as one of the university’s outstanding educators and student mentors with industry expertise in areas that bridge classroom instruction, research, and corporate relations.
Gordon will bring these experiences to his role with the national organization as it continues to advance and innovate engineering education in the U.S.
“This prestigious appointment is a significant milestone for RIT and CET, showcasing our commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and excellence in engineering education,” said Manian Ramkumar, dean of CET. " I am confident that under his leadership ASEE will continue to thrive and make significant strides in advancing engineering education.”
ASEE is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., committed to furthering education in engineering and engineering technology through academics, research, and public service. Its members include individuals from 400 colleges and universities and 50 corporations across the U.S.
Gordon has led several of ASEE’s institutional, technology and financial councils. In 2024, he was recognized as a Distinguished Member and, in 2025, named an ASEE Fellow. Both achievements were given for outstanding service to the society as well as advocacy for the profession and impact as an educator.
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Marty Gordon, far left, has been faculty adviser to the successful RIT Baja race team. His role as a mentor has been recognized by the national ASEE organization.
“My experience with ASEE has given me the perspective as a change leader,” said Gordon. “Leadership I believe is as much about listening as it is about taking action. Our mission is more important than ever as the field faces declining student enrollment, constrained research funding, and an increasingly challenging higher education landscape.”
A 1998 Eisenhart Award recipient for excellence in teaching at RIT, Gordon combines class work, advising, and mentoring teaching courses in failure mechanics, mechanical design, and strength of materials. He has served as the faculty adviser for RIT’s Baja SAE team since he joined the university in 1995. He also acts as NCAA faculty representative for the university’s athletics department advocating on behalf of its student-athletes.
Gordon, past president of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, brings expertise in the reconstruction of vehicular crashes and product liability analysis. Gordon has consulted or provided expert testimony in state and federal courts. He also has developed a special undergraduate course in traffic crash reconstruction, where he has had students design and operate special equipment during controlled crash tests conducted by the New York State Police.
The combination of academic, corporate, and governmental experiences position Gordon to address the challenges facing the engineering profession today—from new technology to recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce, as well as adding concepts of sustainability, societal impact, and public policy implications into a broad education for engineers.
“I aim to help ASEE navigate change while preserving its core mission: creating broadly accessible, high-quality engineering education that empowers students and professional to make a difference in the world,” he said.
