The Computer Science Department Announces Garrod as Next Director of the Computer Science Undergraduate Program
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Computer Science Department Interim Head, Jignesh Patel, has announced that Charlie Garrod, Associate Teaching Professor in the Computer Science Department and Software and Societal Systems Department, is the next Director of the Computer Science Undergraduate Program.
Garrod, who earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon, has taught a broad range of courses in the department for more than a decade. He has also managed the department’s student teaching assistant (TA) program during that time.
Garrod co-created Carnegie Mellon’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Software Engineering (REUSE) program, which provides undergraduates with opportunities to engage in research across a wide spectrum of computer science topics over the summer. He also co-developed a Ph.D.-level computer science pedagogy course, designed to introduce future teaching faculty to the theory and practice of computer science education.
As undergraduate enrollment in the Computer Science Department has grown significantly in recent years, Garrod took on additional responsibility advising students, collaborating closely with outgoing director Mark Stehlik, University Professor of Computer Science, who has been integral to the program and instrumental in laying the foundation for computer science education at Carnegie Mellon University.
Stehlik has guided and advanced curriculum development for the undergraduate program for more than 40 years. Along the way, he not only fostered the skills and shaped the careers of over 4,000 Computer Science undergraduate students as their advisor but also instilled enduring connections between our students and Carnegie Mellon University. Stehlik has entered a phased retirement that will extend over the next two years, during which time the department is fortunate that he will remain an active presence on campus.
This program leadership transition represents a natural continuation of Stehlik’s legacy of curriculum development and advising for the undergraduate program. The Computer Science Department is pleased to have Garrod as a strong successor to guide the program forward.