Excellent leadership, exponential growth

With Black Americans comprising only 8% of the science and engineering workforce, according to a 2021 survey by the National Science Foundation, organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), which give Black engineering students representation and role models, are crucial. Not only does NSBE show Black students that they are not alone in this field, it also gives them the tools they need to have successful engineering careers.

NSBE is a professional development organization with a mission of increasing "the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community," according to the NSBE website. The organization has grown to over 24,000 active members since its founding in 1974.

The NSBE chapter at the University of Delaware is one of over 600 in the national organization. It accomplishes NSBE's mission through hosting general body meetings with industry professionals, offering leadership positions through its executive board and sending its members to the organization's national conferences.

"I'll be a cheerleader and say that everyone should join the National Society of Black Engineers," said Sheldon Hewlett, the NSBE faculty advisor and assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. "They'll get a lot out of it and make a lot of friends. I think it's one of the best [registered student organizations] on campus."

UD's chapter currently has over 80 members, an ambitious executive board and Dean Levi Thompson as its mentor. But just two years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine the chapter operating at this scale, as there were only eight members. Class of 2024 alumni Hanna Armstrong, Joshua Artis and Neil Jean-Baptiste II grew the chapter to what it is today through their leadership and strengthened partnership with the College of Engineering through Thompson's guidance.