Rebecca Bates named a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education
Rebecca A. Bates, PhD, chair of the Department of Integrated Engineering at Minnesota State University, Mankato, was inducted as a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) at the society’s Annual Conference & Expo held in Minneapolis, MN June 26-29, 2022 and co-hosted by Minnesota State Mankato.
Bates, who was named a Distinguished Faculty Scholar by the University in 2015, was recognized as a member with “outstanding and extraordinary qualifications” because of her work with the award-winning project-based engineering programs Iron Range Engineering and Twin Cities Engineering, her research work examining community and belonging in STEM education, her work to support diversity in the field of engineering, and her service to the Society and engineering education community.
Prof. Bates has held multiple leadership positions in ASEE, including Chair of the Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and founding Chair of the Ethics Committee, which is responsible for addressing policy and complaints related to the Codes of Ethics, Conduct, and Volunteer Behavior. As a program officer at the National Science Foundation, she worked with programs that extended research and broadened participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), with a focus on engineering education.
“I am very grateful for the support and leadership at Minnesota State Mankato that has valued the work I have done. The support for both leadership development opportunities and innovation in how we support student learning has made a difference for me and our students,” said Bates. “I’m especially proud of the work done in my department that has increased opportunities and access for students all across our nation to finish degrees in engineering and head into interesting careers with excellent preparation.”
The recognition of Fellow begins with a nomination by an existing Fellow. Bates was nominated by Edwin C. Jones, Professor Emeritus of Iowa State University, and former advisor for the Iron Range Engineering program, and Lisa Benson, Professor of Engineering and Science Education at Clemson University, and Editor of the Journal of Engineering Education. “It is a huge honor to be recognized by the Society, where I have been able to learn so much, and even more humbling to be nominated by these excellent examples of wisdom and service,” said Bates.
The Society limits the number of Fellow Members in one year to a total equal to one-tenth of one percent of the ASEE individual membership. The nominees are evaluated by the Fellow Member Committee and appointed by the ASEE president. Bates is one of nine Fellows inducted this year.
Founded in 1893, ASEE is a nonprofit organization of individuals and institutions committed to furthering education in engineering and engineering technology. ASEE advances innovation, excellence and access at all levels of education for the engineering professions.
More information about the Department of Integrated Engineering and its programs.
