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Grambling State University (GSU) is the little college that could. Hitting its highest enrollment since 2013 (5,188 at last count), GSU is considered one of the top producers of computer science and engineering technology graduates in Louisiana.
To help students land jobs after graduation, GSU's Office of Career Services makes sure it exposes them to potential employers at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) STEM Conference.
In 2016, Dominique Wilson (photo inset), an engineering technology graduate, found a job with Huntington Ingalls Industries at the BEYA STEM Career Fair. This February, Wilson, currently an electrical engineer with Ingalls Shipbuilding, was back at BEYA as one of more than 100 early-career professionals recognized as Modern-Day Technology Leaders. It's Wilson's second BEYA recognition in three years.
Three Grambling State students also won awards at the 2019 BEYA Conference.
Arlanda Nunsett, an electronics engineering technology senior, was recognized for her exemplary volunteerism at the Black Engineer of the Year Student Leadership Awards. She also won an internship offer from Northrop Grumman Corporation at this year's BEYA STEM Career Fair.
Faith Pittman, a junior chemistry major, was also recognized for her outstanding service to the Chemistry Club and the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Chemist and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). Faith recently secured an internship with Eli Lilly and Company.
Black Engineer of the Year category “awards reflect the continuous hard work of the students and staff in our CMAST program,” said President Rick Gallot in a statement. “We are grateful to our CMAST project director Mrs. Corisma Robinson Akins and the entire team for how they continue to innovate.”
The Center for Mathematical Achievement in Science and Technology (CMAST) at Grambling State University is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation and offers students exposure and opportunities in science, technology, engineering, math and (STEM).
Niana Celestine, who is majoring in computer science and marketing, was nominated as a "star intern" by telecom company CenturyLink, Inc. for the 2019 Black Engineer Student Leadership Award.
Last year, Niana led winning teams at the Bayou Classic BizTech Challenge (1st place), HBCU Battle of the Brains (3rd Place) and CenturyLink Disrupt (2nd Place).