The 2024 Dr. Eugene DeLoatch Legacy Award winner embodies all his characteristics of forging the future. DeLoatch retired in 2016 after serving more than thirty years at Morgan State University’s Mitchell School of Engineering.

DeLoatch was the inaugural dean when the Clarence Mitchell School of Engineering launched in 1984. He had a remarkable career as an educator and played a significant role in increasing minority representation in engineering. DeLoatch was honored as the Black Engineer of the Year in 2016.

The current dean of Morgan State University’s School of Engineering presented the 2024 Dr. Eugene DeLoatch Legacy at the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Engineering Deans Recognition Event, which was held during the 38th annual BEYA STEM Conference.

Introducing Veronica L. Nelson, Dr. Oscar Barton said she was a highly respected figure in engineering and education. As the longtime executive director of the Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) organization, she has promoted diversity and inclusion.

Nelson’s leadership has helped to establish partnerships between academia, government, and industry, creating opportunities for historically underrepresented minorities in engineering and technology.

One of her most notable contributions is her transformative impact on organizational revenue and scholarship support. Under her leadership, AMIE’s revenues increased nearly fourfold to $1.8 million, allowing for an increase in scholarships and implementing a strategic plan to support HBCU engineering schools.

Nelson’s efforts have helped to create opportunities for students to gain real-world experiences and connect with potential employers promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.

Accepting her award, Nelson said she was truly honored to receive the 2024 Dr. Eugene DeLoatch Legacy Award. She mentioned that someone’s legacy is the positive impact they make on the lives of others and that Dr. Euegene DeLoatch did this for many people, including herself.

She expressed her purpose and passion for exposing students to STEM and increasing awareness and access to STEM programs and opportunities.

As the executive director of AMIE, she has the chance to live her dream and accomplish her purpose in life to make a difference. She thanked her parents, her two sons who have followed in her footsteps in STEM, and her friends and partners, including Career Communications Group, the HBCU engineering school deans, and Howard University, for their support and help in achieving her goals.