Education

University of Pittsburgh, B.S. in Electrical Engineering
North Carolina State University, M.S. in Computer Engineering
North Carolina State University, Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

Career Specialties

From 1984 to 1994, Dahlberg was an engineer with IBM Corporation in North Carolina, where she received the Outstanding Technical Achievement Award (1989) and the Resident Study Award for doctoral studies (1990-1993).

Dahlberg began her academic career as a visiting assistant professor in computer science at Winthrop University (1994-1995).

Dahlberg joined UNC Charlotte in 1995 as an assistant professor of electrical engineering. In 2000, she joined computer science and helped build the newly launched College of Information Technology, which was later renamed the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI). She progressed through the ranks to become professor and then associate dean of CCI. At UNC Charlotte, she founded the Diversity in Information Technology Institute, an action research center that strengthened the STEM pipeline from K-12 to the professoriate. She co-founded and directed the STARS Computing Corps, a National Science Foundation Alliance for Broadening Participation in Computing, and engaged over 50 colleges and universities in student-led regional engagement from 2006 through 2013. She was also was awarded over $20 million in external grants to support her research, and she was recognized as a Woman of Distinction for STEM Education (2012) by the Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council, as a Diversity in Business Catalyst (2006) and as Woman of the Year at Charlotte (2005).

From 2013 to 2015, Dahlberg served as chief academic officer and the dean of engineering at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. She helped resolve a structural operating deficit and stabilized the university.

From 2015 to 2019, Dahlberg served as professor and dean for the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University, where she similarly increased academic excellence, student success and research.

In 2019, Dahlberg became the provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at Texas Christian University (TCU). She oversaw nine schools and colleges, faculty affairs, research, advising, the library, enrollment management, institutional effectiveness, institutional research, international studies, access and accommodations. She oversaw startup of the Burnett School of Medicine, including graduating its first class in 2023, achieving full Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation, placing all graduates into residencies, and securing a $50 million naming gift. During her five-year term, Dahlberg focused on academic excellence and student success: she hired and developed a leadership team that was historically excellent and inclusive for TCU.