BCoE recognizes faculty, students as pillars of diversity
April 25, 2008
STARKVILLE, Miss- At a recent banquet, engineering groups recognized faculty and students who work to support and foster a diverse culture at Mississippi State.
The Bagley College of Engineering (BCoE), Increasing Minority Access to Education (IMAGE), and the National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE) held a faculty appreciation banquet to celebrate the administration and faculty of the college who work to ensure the success of the diverse student body. This year’s ceremony highlighted 2008’s Champions of Diversity Drs. George Adebiyi and Lakiesha Williams.
“We were honored to have two champions of diversity this year in Dr. Adebiyi and Dr. Williams,” explained Dr. Tommy Stevenson, assistant dean for diversity programs and student development. “They were nominated by their students who see each of them as having been instrumental in student success in the BCoE.”
An assistant research professor in biological engineering, Williams has racked up many firsts in her career. Completing her undergraduate and master’s work at Louisiana State University, she was the first African-American to obtain a graduate degree in biological engineering from the institution.
She achieved a similar first in 2006, becoming the first African-American to earn a doctoral degree in biomedical engineering from MSU. She later joined the department as the first female faculty member. Williams uses her experiences to encourage and inspire students in the BCoE. She also facilitates a Women of Color in Engineering monthly roundtable at MSU.
Adebiyi has actively worked to be a role-model and a mentor to students during his 22 years at Mississippi State. Before becoming a professor in mechanical engineering, he
worked as an engineer in England and Nigeria allowing him to bring unique international
experience into the college. Due to his influence, he is also the namesake of one of the college’s student awards, the George Adebiyi Academic Excellence Award, which was presented at the banquet to Rebecca Atkins.
“I was honored to receive the academic excellence award. I thought the banquet was to honor the faculty. I didn’t know I was going to be recognized until they called my name,” explained Atkins, a sophomore in chemical engineering. “It’s nice that someone recognizes the work myself and others are doing to enhance diversity at State.”
Atkins was one of seven students recognized at the banquet for excellence in academics, leadership and service. Mechanical engineering major Michael Newsome received the Stephanie James Dedicated Member award. Given in honor of James, an MSU alumnus who was always an advocate for diversity, this award recognizes a student member of NSBE who goes above and beyond what is expected.
Other students recognized at the event include: junior chemical engineering major Phillip Jamison for the Mary Jasper Leadership Award; graduate students Kylie Nash, industrial engineering, and Terrance West, electrical engineering, receiving Outstanding Service Awards; and graduate students Derrick Cherry, electrical engineering, and Karicus Whitlock, chemical engineering, for Outstanding NSBE Member Awards.
This was the sixth annual faculty appreciation banquet sponsored by the BCoE, IMAGE and NSBE. More information about the Bagley College of Engineering and its many student organizations can be found at www.bagley.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State’s student chapters of IMAGE and NSBE are examples of the various student organizations that enhance the lives and support the development of the diverse student population. Both are national organizations that work to encourage the pursuit of education in engineering among underrepresented groups.