Diversity leader brings new tools to BCoE
May 17, 2010
STARKVILLE, Miss. — A veteran leader for diversity programs will use new training to expand the impact of Bagley College of Engineering programs (BCoE).
Dr. Tommy Stevenson, assistant dean for diversity programs and student development, was one of 30 leaders from across the Magnolia State to complete the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy.
“The academy gave me valuable knowledge from local and national leaders to broaden my understanding of the community college system,” Stevenson said. “I enjoyed my experience and believe it will aid me in developing opportunities that will enhance the success of students who transfer to the BCoE.”
Each academy graduate received more than 60 hours of instruction in addition to individually completing assignments and research. The classes provided practical and theoretical knowledge and experiences to prepare participants for the future of higher education in the state.
The training will also benefit the Brooksville, Miss., native as he completes his term as president of the National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates. After serving as president-elect for a year, Stevenson officially assumed the presidency in April.
“Community and junior colleges serve close to half of the undergraduate students in the nation, so I believe it is critical that we work with community college leaders to ensure successful transitions for these students,” Stevenson explained.
Stevenson earned his bachelor’s in industrial technology and a master’s in education administration from MSU. He completed his doctorate in higher education administration at Bowling Green State University. He then returned to MSU as the BCoE’s diversity coordinator before being promoted to his current position in 2005.
In his role with the BCoE dean’s office, he works to recruit minority students and enhance their experiences through the efforts of MSU’s chapters of Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and the National Society of Black Engineers.