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The Louisiana Tech University chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) made history recently by receiving its second consecutive National Distinguished Chapter of the Year award – the first time in the Society’s history that a chapter has won consecutive National Chapter of the Year awards.

Louisiana Tech’s NSBE chapter was named the 2012-2013 National Distinguished Medium Chapter of the Year during the 39th Annual NSBE Convention held in Indianapolis, Ind.  The award is the highest honor any collegiate chapter can receive.  It recognizes the best chapter in the nation for exemplifying the NSBE mission statement and implementing the national directives set by the National Chair.

Louisiana Tech’s chapter also received the Regional Distinguished Medium Chapter of the Year award and placed third in the national Retention Program.  In addition to the chapter awards, Louisiana Tech NSBE Chapter President Trevan Jenkins was named the Most Outstanding President in Region 5.

“I am extremely excited about winning our awards, but I and my executive board know that it’s not about the awards,” said Jenkins.  “It’s about the positive impact we have on our members, the community, and Louisiana Tech University.  I’m happy, not only that the group has won these awards, but also that it has achieved so much exposure in Ruston and the surrounding areas.”

Jenkins, a senior at Louisiana Tech, has served as NSBE president for two years and has implemented events such as “Tech Beautification”, the award-winning Engineering Retention Program, and the annual MLK Jr. Birthday AWFE (A Walk for Education) in which NSBE members handed out materials promoting higher education and Louisiana Tech in low-income neighborhoods.

College of Engineering and Science Dean Dr. Stan Napper noted the enthusiasm, persistence and commitment demonstrated by Louisiana Tech’s NSBE chapter.

“These students are making a significant positive impact on our campus, and now nationally,” said Napper.  “They are a joy to spend time with, and I am very proud of their accomplishments and contributions.”

There are over 200 collegiate chapters of NSBE in the United States.  The Louisiana Tech NSBE chapter is in the Vanguard Region of NSBE, which includes all the chapters in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Written by Catherine Fraser – cfraser@latech.edu