Engineering education leaders from across the Southeastern Conference (SEC) gathered at the University of Kentucky for the annual SEC Engineering Leadership Meeting. The meeting welcomed more than 100 participants, including engineering deans, associate deans, department chairs and other higher educational leaders.
The meeting theme focused on how SEC Colleges of Engineering can best support workforce and economic development in their states and throughout the region. Leaders discussed the economic and population growth of the SEC states and the responsibilities of colleges of engineering in supporting the future needs of industry.
The three-day meeting kicked off with tours of the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. Participants were able to hear from and engage with a variety of keynote and guest speakers including:
The meeting continued with breakout sessions on advancing engineering education. Members were also invited to participate in a three-minute pitch series titled, “Cool Ideas,’ where members shared initiatives and successes from their institutions. This interactive session was moderated by Kim Needy Dean, University of Arkansas College of Engineering.
“It was a pleasure to host my engineering colleagues, and I thank them coming to the University of Kentucky for this event.” said Dean Rudy Buchheit, the Dr. Rebbecca Burchett Dean of Pigman Engineering. “Throughout this conference, there has been a wonderful exchange of ideas. We are reminded how important teamwork is to the disciplines of engineering. I appreciate all SEC engineering teammates working together to solve problems.”
While the friendly SEC rivalries we’re on hold, members were treated with an educational session on Kentucky Distilled Spirits by Chemical Engineering Professor Research Director of the James B. Institute for Kentucky, Brad Berron. Formalities, concluding with a tour of the Beam Distillery on campus.
The next SEC Engineering Leadership conference will be held July 2026 at the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa campus.
Special thanks to the 2025 SEC Engineering Leadership Meeting Organizing committee:
