More Than Two Dozen Students Attend the National Society of Black Engineers Conference

Patrice Storey

NSBE Chapter-top left: Kaleb Manley, president of NSBE; top right: NSBE advisers Thomas Carter and Patrice Storey with NSBE students; and bottom center: U of A engineering alumni.

The College of Engineering was represented recently by 24 members of the National Society of Black Engineers during the 49th National Society Black of Engineers convention in Kansas City. The theme was I Am S.T.E.M.

Sponsored by the College of Engineering and the University of Arkansas Associated Student Government, the 24 students had the opportunity to participate in curated workshops that featured world-class engineering developments and attend a 300-plus company career fair and competition. Over 13,000 students from universities in the United States and abroad attended.

The National Society of Black Engineers is one of the largest student-governed organizations in the United States. Founded in 1975 at Purdue University, the society supports and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre-collegiate students and technical professionals in engineering and technology.

Jade Easter, treasurer of the society and senior in industrial engineering said, "The NSBE conference was both fun and informative. There were several workshops to help us prepare for the real world. I enjoyed the hospitality suites and the career fair. The company representatives were extremely helpful and were willing to give professional advice," she said.

Kaleb Manley, president of the society and senior in chemical engineering, said the conference was an enriching experience for many reasons.

"The opportunities to guarantee employment post-graduation, network with students from other universities, and grow closer as a chapter cannot be overstated," he said. "In addition,  the conference banquet and awards show highlighted the tremendous efforts of NSBE members nationally and globally and inspired rising engineers."

Adviser Thomas "T.C." Carter and co-adviser Patrice Storey accompanied the group. Carter is assistant dean of engineering academics and student affairs, and Storey is assistant director of the Office of Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

With more than 790 chapters, 220 corporate partners more than 24,000 active members in the U.S. and abroad, the society's mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community."