Rhonda Harley, PhD, Honored with 2026 Outstanding Leadership Award
The University of San Diego (USD) Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering is proud to announce that Rhonda Harley, PhD, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Leadership in Engineering Award by the San Diego County Engineering Council. This prestigious honor recognizes San Diego’s premier leaders and educators who excel in advancing innovation, leadership and inclusive excellence within the engineering profession.
The award will be presented during the 75th Annual San Diego Engineers Week, which runs from February 15–21, 2026. The week’s festivities culminate in the premier Awards Banquet on Friday, February 20, at the Crowne Plaza San Diego, centered around the theme "Transform Your Future."
As the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Inclusive Excellence, Harley has been instrumental in shaping a culture of belonging and professional rigor at USD, fostering leadership and growth for engineering and computer science students through a variety of high-impact initiatives.
Notably, she oversees the Industry Scholars Program — a curated professional development experience that bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations by connecting students with industry professionals, ensuring students are supported and prepared to lead.
“Leadership in engineering isn’t just about technical expertise,” says Harley. “It’s about developing whole people who know how to show up, speak up and lead wherever they go.”
Her career at USD is marked by a steady dedication to student success, making certain that they have access to the resources, professional opportunities and community support necessary to thrive. Harley is recognized for advancing student leadership and professional development activities across the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. She supports all student organizations and their leaders and serves as the faculty advisor for USD’s chapters of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Society of Women (SWE).
Harley’s influence reaches far beyond the engineering school. As USD’s Director of National Fellowships and Scholarships, she identifies and mentors high-achieving students across the university, guiding them through the complexities of world-class honors like the Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall and Truman Scholarships.
Harley models the very leadership we seek to instill in our graduates — the ability to show up with authenticity and maintain the highest professional and academic standards while building community-driven spaces where all students can reach their full potential.
Reflecting on the transformative impact of her work, Harley notes: “My leadership isn’t just mine; it’s reflected in the leadership of the students who leave USD prepared to open doors for the next generation.”
The SDCEC Awards Banquet serves as a cornerstone of the regional engineering community, bringing together professional society chapters, industry partners, students and academic institutions. We invite the USD community to join us at the Awards Banquet on February 20 to celebrate Dr. Harley’s exceptional contributions to our field and our students.