University Among More Than 100 Other Schools To Develop And Implement More Engineering-Based Opportunities

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University joined more than 100 institutes of higher learning in a nationwide action plan to increase diversity in engineering education and professions announced at last week’s White House’s inaugural Demo Day.

Embry-Riddle College of Engineering Dean Maj Mirmirani of the Daytona Beach, Fla., Campus and Dean Ron Madler of the Prescott, Ariz., Campus included their signatures on the letter from the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) committing the university to build a diverse student base and talent pipeline.

“The ASEE identified this as the year of action on diversity, but diversity and inclusion is something we strive for every day across all colleges and the university as a whole,” Madler said. “Representing and reflecting the talents of all people internally and externally is the responsible and right thing to do. As we’re educating and training the future leaders of the world, we know it is vital not only to the success of our graduates, but to the engineering industry.”

The letter was shared by the White House on Aug. 4 as part of its newly launched event highlighting diverse entrepreneurs and innovators. University deans signing the letter commit their universities to do the following:

• Develop a diversity plan for engineering programs with the help and input of national organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Undertake an annual equity and inclusion climate survey of faculty, students and staff with the goal of assessing and increasing the effectiveness of the diversity plan developed.
• Commit to at least one K-12 or community college pipeline activity with goals and measures to increase diversity and inclusiveness of the engineering student body.
• Develop strong partnerships between research-intensive engineering schools and non-Ph.D. granting engineering schools serving populations underrepresented in engineering.
• Develop and implement proactive strategies to increase representation of women and underrepresented minorities in the faculty.

Many of these actions already are underway at both Embry-Riddle’s residential campuses in Florida and Arizona to increase visibility and recognition of women and minorities including existing strong relationships with SWE, SHPE and NSBE.

Outreach activities and coordination with public schools includes the Daytona Beach Campus’ ongoing work with area community colleges and more than 40 STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Aerospace Career Academies throughout the state. Also at Daytona Beach Campus, the Women’s Engineering Institute provides academic, career, social and extracurricular activities, in addition to research and professional development opportunities for women in engineering. At the Prescott Campus’ Girls RockIt Day, nearly 200 female middle and high schoolers are invited to campus to interact with engineering students.

FMI: www.erau.edu