Dr. Victor R. McCrary, a trailblazing innovator, educator, and national science policy leader, has been named Chair of the National Science Board (NSB), becoming the first person from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to hold this prestigious position. A longtime champion of inclusive innovation, McCrary’s appointment marks a historic moment for both the NSB and the broader science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) community.
McCrary, who currently serves as vice president for research and professor of chemistry at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), has earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for science that serves the public good. His career spans decades of leadership in federal research, higher education, and national policy. As a former BEYA Scientist of the Year and chair of the BEYA Innovation Seminar, McCrary’s contributions to STEM advancement and workforce development are well documented in the pages of US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine.
At UDC, a public land-grant HBCU, McCrary leads the university’s research strategy, emphasizing use-inspired science, community partnerships, and innovation that addresses pressing societal needs. Under his leadership, UDC has strengthened its standing as a center for applied research tackling issues from urban sustainability to public health disparities.
Beyond academia, McCrary is also a founder of the STEM City USA community platform, a digital metaverse designed to close opportunity gaps in K-12 STEM education, professional development, and public engagement. STEM City USA hosts year-round events, learning hubs, and immersive content to bring technology directly into underserved communities. It represents a bold vision to “bring technology home to the Black community”.
As Chair of the National Science Board, McCrary will lead the oversight body for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), a key agency for federal research funding and STEM education. The board also advises Congress and the President on national science and engineering policy.
His election to chair follows his years of service on the board, including as vice chair since 2020 and acting chair as of April 2025. During his tenure, McCrary has steered the board’s focus toward a more inclusive national science ecosystem—one that values the full breadth of STEM talent, including skilled technical workers without four-year degrees. His leadership helped produce the widely cited NSB report, The Skilled Technical Workforce: Crafting America’s Science and Engineering Enterprise, which advocates for credential pathways and lifelong learning to diversify the nation’s innovation engine.
In his new role, McCrary will champion STEM equity, workforce growth, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He explains:
“Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when we connect—across race, geography, institutions, and generations. As Chair, I want to ensure every community—especially those historically left out—has a seat at the science and engineering table.” — Dr. Victor R. McCrary
His leadership also reflects the enduring impact of the BEYA community. As Innovation Seminar Chair, he has mentored emerging leaders, moderated high-profile policy discussions, and championed the voices of HBCU faculty and alumni in national STEM conversations. His path from BEYA honoree to national science policymaker exemplifies the kind of excellence and service that BEYA exists to celebrate.
For more on Dr. Victor McCrary’s legacy and leadership in STEM, explore past BEYA Conference highlights at www.blackengineer.com and join the ongoing journey at STEM City USA.