History
NC State’s Department of Computer Science began in 1967, evolving from early computing efforts in the 1950s. It has since grown into a top-tier department, offering degrees from B.S. to Ph.D.
NC State’s roots in computer science stretch back to 1957, when the Department of Experimental Statistics installed the university’s first computers in the basement of Patterson Hall. As interest in computing grew, an ad hoc committee formed in 1965 — bringing together faculty from Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Statistics. Paul E. Lewis, director of the Computer Center, played a key leadership role
In 1966, Lewis and John W. Cell of the Mathematics Department recommended creating a dedicated Department of Computer Science within the School of Physical Sciences and Applied Mathematics (later renamed Physical and Mathematical Sciences). Their vision included offering a Bachelor of Science degree built from a diverse curriculum — drawing on courses from math, engineering, and statistics — and a faculty that reflected this interdisciplinary approach.
That vision became reality in Fall 1967. With Paul E. Lewis leading the way, the new department launched with 21 declared majors and more than 460 students enrolled in courses. By the following spring, the number of majors had already more than doubled.
From those early days to today, NC State Computer Science has stayed true to its mission — fostering innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact at the leading edge of technology.
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1962
Computing Center established
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1963
New computer arrived on campus
A computer created by professors from NC State and built at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at a cost of $50,000 arrived on campus. The computer, named Lincy, greeted professors with the message, “I want to be here,” and was to be used in experiments to measure the distance between heartbeats, blood pressure, and brain waves. -
1965
Committee on Computer Science formed
The Ad Hoc Committee on Computer Science formed and included a faculty member from the Departments of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Statistics, and the director of the Computer Center, Paul E. Lewis. -
1965
Triangle Universities Computation Center established
The Triangle Universities Computation Center was established by NC State, Duke University, and UNC-Chapel Hill in the Research Triangle Park. It was one of the world’s largest university computing centers. -
1966
Faculty wrote report on Computing Center
Paul E. Lewis and John W. Cell of the Department of Mathematics wrote a report recommending the reconstitution of the Computing Center in the Department of Computer Science within the School of Physical Sciences and Applied Mathematics. -
1967
Department of Computer Science established
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1967-1973
Paul Lewis served as head of the Department of Computer Science
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1968
Department of Computer Science moved to Harrelson Hall
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1970
Department of Computer Science moved to Dabney Hall
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1974-1985
Donald Martin served as head of the Department of Computer Science
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1977
Master’s degree in computer studies first offered
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1986-1992
Robert Funderlic served as head of the Department of Computer Science
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1988
Department of Computer Science transferred
The Department of Computer Science was transferred from the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences to the College of Engineering. -
1990
Department of Computer Science moved to Withers Hall
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1993-2004
Alan Tharp served as head of the Department of Computer Science
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2005
Engineering Building II completed
This building was funded through the Bonds for Education program. -
2006-2017
Mladen Vouk served as head of the Department of Computer Science
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2018-2025
Gregg Rothermel served as head of the Department of Computer Science