Chancellor Kirwan Receives Reginald Jones Award
Award Recognizes Individuals Advancing the Cause of Minorities in STEM Fields
ADELPHI, Md. (May 30, 2008) - University System of Maryland (USM) Chancellor
William E. Kirwan has been named the 2008 recipient of the Reginald H. Jones
Distinguished Service Award presented by the National Acti
on Council for
Minorities in Engineering (NACME). The award is named for Reginald H. Jones
who, as chairman and CEO of General Electric, helped to establish NACME and
honors individuals who have made significant contributions to increasing the
representation of minorities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
math) careers.
The award includes a $10,000 donation to the not-for-profit of the honoree's choice. Chancellor Kirwan has directed the donation to the University System of Maryland Foundation in support scholarships for low-income and underrepresented minority students.
"Reginald Jones was a pioneer in increasing access to engineering education for minorities," said Chancellor Kirwan. "I am truly honored to receive this award bearing his name. His work and legacy-the mission of NACME-remind us all how important it is that we continue our efforts to increase minority participation in higher education overall, and specifically in the nation's science and engineering workforce."
Chancellor Kirwan became the third chancellor of the University System of Maryland in August 2002. Previously, he served as president of Ohio State University (1998-2002) and as president of the University of Maryland, College Park (1988-1998). Prior to his presidency, he served as a member of the University of Maryland mathematics faculty for 34 years. Chancellor Kirwan is a nationally recognized authority on critical issues shaping the higher education, including accountability, cost containment, economic competitiveness, and diversity and equity. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; chairs the College Board's Commission on Access, Admissions, and Success in Higher Education; and is the current Chair of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges' Committee on Student Learning and Accountability.
Founded in 1974, NACME provides leadership, advocacy, and support for the national effort to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in STEM disciplines and professions. For more information on NACME's mission, visit www.nacme.org.
Helpful Links:
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering
Contact: John Buettner
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: jbuettner@usmd.edu