Maturation of Computer Science Research and Education at the University of Maryland: Evolution of the Department of Computer Science from 1979 through 2006

Abstract

This report traces the evolution of the Department of Computer Science from 1979 through the end of 2006. In 1979 the department was growing, approaching over 2000 undergraduate majors. This report describes how this crush of students was handled, followed by other significant events in the history of the Department, such as the creation of the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, moving into the A. V. Williams Building, creating its own computer laboratory, as well as the creation of various centers and institutes that helped further its growing research reputation. At the end of 2006, the Department had close to 50 faculty members, was nationally ranked, and was ranked one of the highest departments on the University of Maryland campus.