BCoE mechanical engineering student to meet the next President of the United States.
May 14, 2008
STARKVILLE, Miss.–In January 2009, our next president and vice president will be sworn into office. While we do not yet know who those two individuals will be, one thing is for sure, Malcolm Conley, a senior in mechanical engineering, will be there to witness history in the making.
Having been selected as an Inaugural Scholar for the University Presidential Inaugural Conference (UPIC), Conley will have the opportunity to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the 44th U.S. president.
To be selected for participation in this program one must have participated in the National Youth Leadership Forum, the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, or the International Scholar Laureate Program. Selected students must also meet high academic requirements and demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities.
Conley, a 2004 graduate of Provine High School in Jackson, Miss., earned his opportunity though participation in the International Scholar Laureate Program’s Technology Delegation, which also provided him the opportunity to travel to China as part of a conference with International Youth Leadership organization.
“Participation in cooperative education, Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers have all been great experiences. But nothing I have experienced as a student, including my visit to China, and realizing my dream of studying engineering at State, could have prepared me for being named an Inaugural Scholar,” Conley said.
The privilege of being named an Inaugural Scholar comes with some notable perks. In addition to participating directly in the pageantry and ceremony of the inauguration of a U.S. president, the conference also includes the chance to hear world-renowned speakers, such as, Lance Armstrong, John Edwards, and Erik Weihenmayer. As an Inaugural Scholar, Conley will also meet and interact with White House veterans, press secretaries, political powerhouses, policy makers, and other prominent personalities and political experts.
“I am not surprised that Malcolm has been selected for this honor. Malcolm has always exhibited the leadership skills and the desire to broader his understanding of the world. He is a role model for so many and will represent the college and university well.” said Tommy Stevenson, assistant dean of diversity programs and student development.
The honor to represent Mississippi State University on a national level is not lost on Conley, he is taking this responsibility very seriously. When questioned on what he might say or ask the next president if the situation should presented itself, he noted he would have to give that a lot of thought. He stated that it would need to be something that is representative of the concerns of college students and young professionals in our region. Nodding thoughtfully as he mused at the idea of speaking with the future president, Conley noted he was glad he has until January to formulate the perfect question.