Engineering Our Future: Pathways, Policies, and Access
Seminar Video
Engineering Our Future: Pathways, Policies, and Access
This talk examines how shifts in policy regarding broadening participation —from its origins in the 1960s to the 2023 Supreme Court decision—have shaped access to engineering and computing pathways. Using national data and historical trends, it highlights the impact of these policy changes on enrollment, workforce development, and the nation’s technical talent pipeline. The session outlines how educators and institutions have adapted through new pathways, evidence‑based retention strategies, and race‑neutral but equity‑driven approaches. It concludes with forward‑looking strategies for strengthening access to engineering in ways that support innovation, competitiveness, and broad participation.
Biography
Bevlee A. Watford, Ph.D. is Professor Emerita of Engineering Education, Associate Dean Emerita for Equity and Engagement, and Founding Executive Director Emerita of the Center for Engineering Excellence and Discovery (CEED) at Virginia Tech. Her career spans more than four decades in engineering education, with a focus on student success, broadening participation, and organizational development.
Dr. Watford earned three degrees from Virginia Tech in mining engineering and industrial engineering/operations research. She began her faculty career at Clemson University before returning to Virginia Tech, where she held several senior administrative roles, including Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Interim Department Head of Engineering Education, and Associate Dean for Equity and Engagement. In 1992, she established CEED, which grew into a comprehensive support and outreach structure for engineering students.
Her national service includes leadership roles with the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), WEPAN, and NAMEPA. She co‑founded the CoNECD Conference, a national meeting focused on diversity in engineering and computing. In 2022, she was appointed to the National Science Board for a six‑year term.
Dr. Watford has authored more than 150 publications addressing engineering education, retention, and the experiences of underrepresented students in engineering and computer science. Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Sloan Foundation, the Corning Foundation, and multiple industry partners. She has also served as an NSF Program Director in the Division of Undergraduate Education and the Division of Engineering Education and Centers.
Her contributions have been acknowledged through awards from ASEE, ABET, WEPAN, and other professional organizations, as well as recognition from the Black Engineer of the Year Awards. Several scholarships and awards have been named in her honor.