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The all-digital Black Engineer of the Awards (BEYA) Conference took place February 11-13 and to date the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Engineering Deans' Recognition event is one of the most-watched videos on YouTube.
The theme of this year’s event was "Stepping Up to Make History" in line with the overarching BEYA STEM Conference theme "Stand Up. Step Up. Make the Change," a call to action.
The hosts of the 2021 HBCU Engineering Deans' Recognition event were national broadcaster Angela Stribling and Dr. Pamela McCauley, an entrepreneur, and professor in the North Carolina State University, Wilson College of Textiles, where she also serves as associate dean of academic programs. The two emcees kept the show lively with fun quizzes based on memorable moments and milestones from the conference’s 35-year history.
During the two-hour digital ceremony, it was a treat to see past BEYA winners present awards to scientists and engineers leading innovation with incredible inventions, patents, and product development. Engineering deans from the 15 ABET-accredited engineering schools also spoke about their current research in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and quantum information science.
Always the first event on Saturday, the HBCU Engineering Deans’ Recognition event (a.k.a. HBCU Engineering Deans Power Breakfast), honors leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Click here to watch.
In a recent keynote, a CEO challenged the audience to “do something, no matter how small” to make a difference in a young person’s life, emphasizing the dedicated efforts of his employees who are making a difference in their communities by tutoring and coaching sports.
“Sometimes someone’s path appears to be predetermined by things you cannot change,” he said. “Yet I know from experience that the best way to change that path–to influence a person’s outcome–is through education. That’s where you come in. You’re engineers. In fact, you are the best and the brightest. You are leaders. You are trained to solve problems. You just might be able to help solve a problem for someone who deserves a chance–just by getting involved. By turning them from one direction to another. By believing in them when maybe no one else does.”
BEYA is the nation’s largest gathering of STEM professionals and leaders committed to increasing the percentage of underrepresented communities in the technology workforce. The conference is an opportunity for students, business leaders, and educators to celebrate and promote academic and professional achievement, network, and recruit new hires at the Career Fair.
Watch the HBCU Engineering Dean Recognition Awards here.