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The College of Engineering at the University of Missouri, Columbia (MU Engineering) develops engineering leaders who positively influence society and bring innovation to the global workforce. Recruiting top students from around the world to fuel an atmosphere of excellence and cutting-edge growth, MU Engineering prepares out-of-the-box thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who stand ready to lead today and adapt to tomorrow. To engage all of our students with industry in an inclusive space, the MU Engineering Office of Diversity and Outreach Initiatives established the Diverse Engineering Professionals Conference in 2017 in partnership with a student committee. The committee included representatives from various organizations, including the National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Engineering Student Council, Society of Women Engineers, and Out in STEM. Industrial sponsorships were secured with assistance from the MU Engineering Leadership, Engagement and Career Development Academy. The daylong conference recognizes diversity organizations and diverse students and their achievements while promoting our core college values of integrity, excellence, and collaboration. The conference includes professional development and diversity education workshops, research presentations, keynote speakers, and a closing ceremony. In its first year, the conference featured nine companies and attracted about 75 attendees. In year two, the conference nearly doubled its impact with 12 companies and 150 attendees, including students from all majors, years, and demographics. The conference was well received across both years and continues to grow as an annual effort in the college. Feedback from company representatives and students re-emphasized the need for an intimate company-student environment like that found at the Diverse Engineering Professionals Conference.
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This content will become publicly available on July 23, 2026
Charting and Expanding Needed Trails to Research Administration and Leadership (CENTRAL) Conference Proceedings Report
APLU’s Charting and Expanding Needed Trails to Research Administration and Leadership (CENTRAL) Conference, convened partners from across the senior research leadership ecosystem to fulfill two key goals to enhance the professional development of Senior Research Officers (e.g. Vice Presidents of Research). First, attendees identified key paths that individuals take to arrive at senior research leadership roles, recognizing the breadth of potential pathways. Second, attendees identified the skillsets, opportunities, and barriers relevant to pursuing careers in senior research leadership. This U.S. NSF-funded conference (Award # 2324469) was a collaboration between APLU, NORDP, ARIS, and Alabama A&M University and led by PI Kevin C. Cooke. Supplementary materials, including the full proceedings report and executive summary, can be found here: https://www.aplu.org/our-work/2-fostering-research-innovation/nsf-granted-central-conference/
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- Award ID(s):
- 2324469
- PAR ID:
- 10648763
- Publisher / Repository:
- Open Science Framework
- Date Published:
- Edition / Version:
- 1
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- Human Resources Educational Leadership Career Pathways Professional Development Resources Research Policy
- Format(s):
- Medium: X Size: 5MB Other: PDF
- Size(s):
- 5MB
- Institution:
- Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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