College of Engineering Virtually Hosts 2021 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Although they shared the disappointment of not being able to meet in person, 93 educators and students gathered Sept. 13-15 for the first virtual Midwest Section Conference for the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).

The annual conference is hosted by a Midwestern engineering college to share information about innovations and advances in engineering education. At last week's conference, faculty and students met virtually to present papers and discuss topics such as teaching in the time of COVID-19, improving classroom performance, diversity and inclusion in engineering, and ensuring student success.

Engineering College Dean Kim Needy was honored to host and welcome the ASEE attendees. She gave praise to the ASEE planning committee for a successful event but said she wished the group could have met in person.

"I have been attending ASEE conferences for nearly 30 years, bringing key information back to incorporate into my class or to improve academic programs," Needy said. "I thought the conference was terrific. However, it was unfortunate that our guests could not visit beautiful Fayetteville, Arkansas, the world-class art museum Crystal Bridges or experience the culture of Northwest Arkansas."

In 2020, the U of A was scheduled to host the meeting and planned a trip to Crystal Bridges, followed by dinner at selected restaurants in downtown Rogers. The COVID-19 pandemic halted those plans, and the conference was canceled.

Also at last week's conference, ASEE President Adrienne Minerick spoke about national initiatives affecting engineering education. John White, chancellor emeritus of the U of A, gave the plenary address titled, "Leadership Opportunities for Engineering Educators." 

Ed Clausen, conference chair, noted that faculty participants also attended panel discussions on balancing teaching, research and service, and challenges facing engineering education.

Engineering students participated in Ignite presentations and attended panel discussions on careers in engineering and the pros and cons of attending graduate school.

Needy congratulated the planning committee for its excellent work to make the conference a success. In addition to Needy, the team included Clausen, conference chair, University Professor of Chemical Engineering; Norm Dennis, senior associate dean (retired), University Professor of Civil Engineering; Rohit Dua, associate teaching professor, Missouri University of Science and Technology/Missouri State; Kristy Fink, assistant to the dean; Christin Finney, digital communications specialist; Aysa Galbraith, assistant professor, first-year engineering; Carol Gattis, associate dean emeritus, Honors College; Bryan Hill, associate dean for Student Success; Tammy Lutz-Rechtin, safety coordinator, Chemical Engineering; Jay McAllister, engineering librarian; and Eric Specking, assistant dean of Enrollment Management and Retention.