National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers or NOBCChE (pronounced No-be-shay)[1] is a nonprofit, professional organization. NOBCChE's goal is to increase the number of minorities in science, technology, and engineering fields. The organization accomplishes this by creating bonds with professionals working at science-related companies and faculty at local school districts in order to get more minorities to pursue a career in science and engineering fields. NOBCChE focuses on establishing diversity programs for the professional development of young kids and to spread knowledge in science and engineering. NOBCChE chapters can be found nationwide.
Motto | To build an eminent cadre of successful diverse global leaders in STEM and advance their professional endeavors by adding value to their academic, development, leadership, and philanthropic endeavors throughout the life-cycle of their careers. |
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Founder | Dr. Lloyd Ferguson Dr. Joseph Cannon Dr. William M. Jackson Dr. William Guillory Dr. Henry C. McBay Dr. Charles Merideth Dr. James Porter |
Type | Scientific and Engineering Society |
Headquarters | 8221 Ritchie Hwy, Suite 202, Pasadena, MD 21122 |
Key people | Dr. Murrell Godfrey (President) |
Website | www |
History
NOBCChE was co-founded in 1972 by a group of chemists and chemical engineers. Initially, the organization was financially aided by the Haas Community Fund and Drexel University. After receiving positive feedback and interest from other black chemists and chemical engineers, the founders decided to expand on their idea and set up a structured idea of what they wanted the society to emphasize. Two years later, the first national meeting was held in New Orleans, LA. At the conference, black chemists and chemical engineers found that they could discuss career-related issues with others who were in similar fields. Today, the national conference features various workshops, research presentations, and high school science bowls. NOBCChE also presents the Percy L. Julian Award, given to African-American scientists who have made significant contributions to the areas of pure or applied research in science or engineering.[2]
Founders of NOBCChE
- Dr. Joseph N. Cannon, Chemical Engineer, Prof. - Howard University[3]
- Dr. Lloyd Ferguson, Chemist, Prof. - California State University
- Dr. William M. Jackson, Chemist, Prof. - Howard University[4]
- Dr. William Guillory, Chemist, Prof. - Drexel University[5]
- Dr. Henry C. McBay, Chemist, Prof. - Morehouse College
- Dr. Charles Merideth, Chemist, Chancellor, The Atlanta University Center, Inc.
- Dr. James Porter, Chemical Engineer, Prof. - MIT
Presidents
The President has the overall responsibility for affecting the objectives of NOBCChE, oversees the day-to-day activities of the organization, and is the official representative of the organization. For over 45 years, talented, dedicated, and passionate professionals from industry, academia, and government have volunteered their time to lead the organization and advance the mission of creating an eminent cadre of people of color in STEM. Each NOBCChE President develops his or her own set goals with corresponding initiatives and events.[6]
# | Year | National President | Affiliation* |
1 | 1974-1980 | Dr. William Guillory | Drexel University |
2 | 1981-1984 | Dr. John B. Sapp, Jr. | Texas Southern University |
3 | 1984-1986 | Dr. Edward D Walton | US Naval Academy |
4 | 1986-1989 | Dr. Phillip Merchant | Exxon Mobil |
5 | 1989-1993 | James Evans | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories |
6 | 1994-2001 | Winifred Burks-Houck | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories |
7 | 2001-2003 | Ella L Davis | PQ Corporation |
8 | 2003-2005 | Dr. Marquita Qualls | GlaxoSmithKline |
9 | 2005-2007 | Dr. Joseph Francisco | Purdue University |
10 | 2007-2013 | Dr. Victor McCrary | Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory |
11 | 2013-2015 | Dr. Judson Haynes, III | Procter & Gamble |
12 | 2015–2017 | Dr. Talitha Hampton | AstraZeneca |
13 | 2017-2019 | Dr. Emanuel Waddell | University of Alabama in Huntsville |
14 | 2019–Present | Dr. Murrell Godfrey | University of Mississippi |
*Affiliation at the time of election
References
- Communications, NOBCChE. "The Story of NOBCChE". www.nobcche.org. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- "Dr. Percy L. Julian Distinguished Lecture and Award". National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
- "Joseph N. Cannon". Howard University. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- "William M. Jackson". History Makers. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- "William Guillory". History Makers. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- Communications, NOBCChE. "The NOBCChE Presidency". www.nobcche.org. Retrieved 2016-03-09.