History and Mission

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) was founded on the campus of Purdue University in 1975. The organization is dedicated to the academic and professional success of African-American engineering students and professionals. NSBE offers its members leadership training, professional development, mentoring opportunities, career placement services and more! NSBE is comprised of more than 270 collegiate, 75 professional and 75 pre-college chapters nationwide and overseas. NSBE is governed by an executive board of college students and professional engineers (Professional Board only) and is operated by a professional staff in our National Headquarters located in Alexandria, VA. Since 1975, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) has become one of the largest student-run organizations in the world.

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit association that is owned and managed by its members.

NSBE’s mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.” The main goal of the Society’s current 10-year Strategic Plan is to lead the United States to produce 10,000 Black Engineers annually by 2025.

NSBE - National Headquarters

To learn more about the National Society of Black Engineers, please visit the national web site at http://www.nsbe.org/

Address:

205 Dangerfield Road

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Phone: 703.549.2207

Fax: 703.683.5312

History of NSBE Research Triangle Professionals (RTP)

The purpose of the NSBE Professionals organization is to promote technical excellence, professional development and community service amongst Black professionals in the engineering community. We develop and execute programming that enhances technology awareness, career development, networking opportunities, and encourages youth scholastic achievement. We are the professional sector of the NSBE organization welcoming a new class of graduating collegiate seniors each year to continue their growth and involvement in supporting the NSBE mission.

November 1988:

The chapter was created and was one of the first of the five NSBE Alumni Extension (AE) chapters. Kenneth Johnson was the Regional V Chairman and on the Exec Board of NSBE at the time.

The chapter founding members were:

  • Kenneth Johnson

  • Ken Green

  • Joe Allan

  • Terry Francis

  • Kim Seawell

  • LeMont Coleman

  • Joi Moore

  • Bernadette Johnson

1988: The chapter was recognized as one of the first five chartered Alumni chapters in the nation. The was also the inaugural year for the chapter conducting what was known as the “Family Day Picnic”. This was an event that was held to bring the NSBE-AE spouses and families together for Texas style BBQ, soda and games. This was an annual event for several years in the chapters history.

1989: The chapter submitted its first alumni chapter of the year application and was among the finalists in the judging that year.

1990: The chapter was recognized as Alumni Chapter of the Year

2019: The chapter was recognized as the Professional Chapter of the Year

Over the years, the chapter has met at a number of different places to support engagement of the changing membership. Currently, the chapter meets virtually via zoom for monthly General Body Meetings (GBM) and Executive Body Meetings (EBM). The chapter has been and is active in attending Regional meetings and NSBE Annual Conferences (later called Conventions).