By Phil Carter
Mentoring the next generation of engineers is not just a goal for the College of Engineering, it’s a priority as three faculty from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) - Shannon Bartelt-Hunt, Donald R. Voelte, Jr. and Nancy A. Keegan Chair of Engineering and professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering; George Hunt, associate professor of practice; and Matthew Williamson, assistant professor of practice – were honored for their leadership in ACEC Nebraska’s “Let’s MEET – Mentoring Emerging Engineers Together” Program.
The three CEE faculty have been recognized as 2023 Nebraska Champion for Engineering award recipients by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Nebraska for their collaboration with the organization and their dedication to mentoring engineering students. They will be celebrated on April 27 at the 2023 EEA Gala.
“The MEET program is a partnership that will help foster development of students into professionals, and the engagement of the college’s leadership is invaluable,” stated Jeanne McClure, ACEC Nebraska executive director. “Our hope is that this program will soon be implemented in all areas of the College of Engineering.”
Matching freshmen and sophomores with a professional mentor, the MEET program creates a sense of community by connecting students with each other and offering them the opportunity to network with engineering professionals.
Bartelt-Hunt works closely with ACEC Nebraska in her role as department chair, noting how ACEC is critical in helping the state maintain and increase the engineering workforce as well as engagement opportunities for students and industry. She, along with Hunt and Williamson, were instrumental in working with faculty colleagues, freshman and sophomore students, and ACEC Nebraska members to start the MEET program.
“Mentorship for our students is extremely beneficial, and I hope this program helps us to retain more diverse engineers to help us solve the state’s future engineering challenges,” Bartelt-Hunt said.