Accolades
Academics
Campus
Associate Professor Byron McKay and Assistant Instructional Professor Trevor Maiseroulle from the university’s School of Technology and Workforce Learning both were awarded the Distinguished Technology & Engineering Professional Award, given only to the top 5 percent of the profession.
The coveted mark of distinction recognizes technology, innovation, design, and engineering educators who have demonstrated a high level of competence and professional activity in the field of technology and engineering education.
“They must demonstrate professional ability, exceptional character, and have developed a reputation of excellence within the profession through service, scholarly activity, and teaching,” noted Professor Andrew Klenke, director of the school. “Byron and Trevor have excelled in each of these categories and have definitely earned this prestigious honor.”
Of surprise to Klenke was that he was the recipient of two prestigious awards: the ITEEA Teacher Educator of the Year Award and the ITEEA Special Recognition Award.
The Educator of the Year Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Council for Technology & Engineering to recognize individuals with established records of service to the profession.
Since 1956, just 68 people have received the award.
“I feel very humbled as I read through the names on that list,” Klenke said.
The Special Recognition Award is presented to an individual who has a sustained record of outstanding service to the field of technology and engineering education, and who has made a significant contribution to ITEEA or the field.
“Knowing the exceptional professionals in the ITEEA organization, it was a very special day for me,” he said.
Also at the conference, nine Pitt State students were inducted into the newly resurrected Alpha Alpha Chapter for Epsilon Pi Tau, the leading international honor society for technology that recognizes academic excellence. It is led by McKay and Maiseroulle.
Starting in Fall 2025, EPT will be open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the university’s Crossland College of Technology.
In competitions that drew eight other universities including Purdue and Brigham Young, students from Pitt State scored well:
McKay was elected to the ITEEA Board of Directors as the Region 3 Director and will represent ITEEA membership in central Canada, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas for a two-year term.
“What an incredible week for Technology & Workforce Learning and our programs,” Klenke said.
The School of Technology & Workforce Learning includes:
