Missouri University of Science and Technology, Gamma Theta Chapter

Electrical Engineering students at the Missouri University of Science & Technology (then the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy) established the Theta Mu honor society on December 5, 1950. The founding president was Homer E. Coonce and the founding advisors were Roger E. Nolte and Gabriel G. Skitek. An intention of the organization was to gain formal recognition from the honor society, Eta Kappa Nu. A charter was granted on April 26, 1952 establishing the Gamma Theta chapter.

The host department is now the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department and HKN is one of the main in-department student organizations along with the IEEE Student Branch and the Amateur Radio Club. The chapter inducts students and professional members and it provides valuable service to the campus and community including administration of the ECE Student Projects Laboratory. The chapter has a distinguished history including frequent recognition in the outstanding chapter activities award program. The chapter hosted the HKN Student Leadership Conference in 2007. The HKN Office was located at Rolla during 1988-1999 when Dr. J. Robert Betten was the Executive Secretary. The current advisors are Drs. Steve E. Watkins, Theresa Swift, and Sahra Sedigh.

Region 5: Southwestern USA

Section: St. Louis

Founding Date: April 26, 1952

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Last Updated: 01/08/2024

Rolla, Missouri U.S.A.

Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T) was chartered in 1870 as Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy and later was known as the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR). The university is a technological institution with a vast majority of its students in technical fields of study and it is known for its many student design teams. Electrical engineering was first taught through the physics department with the first BS EE degree being awarded in 1917. Electrical Engineering became a separate department in 1924. Computer Engineering became an option and the department became the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in 1998. BS, MS, and PhD degrees are offered in both electrical engineering and computer engineering. Rolla is located in south-central Missouri in the Ozarks region.

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what chapter members are saying

“

IEEE-HKN is a valuable asset in the department. The students play a role in student recruitment, service to underclassmen, social coordination, and outreach in the community. I call on IEEE-HKN frequently to help with prospective student visits. They always respond with a first-class effort. The department is far better for HKN’s involvement, and all the students and faculty benefit.

Dr. Daryl Beetner, S&T ECE Chair 2014-2020
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Professional Members of the Gamma Theta Chapter include:
Dr. Sandra Magnus, Shuttle Astronaut and 2012-2018 Executive Director of AIAA
Nancy Ostin, Director of IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu
Dr. Cheryl B. Schrader, President of Wright State University
James V. Leonard, Senior Technical Fellow of Boeing and 2003 IEEE-USA President
Robert Scolli, 2006-2007 IEEE R5 Director
Mervin J. Kelly, 1951-1959 President of Bell Labs and HKN Eminent Member

Gamma Theta History Archive
“

Professional Members of the Gamma Theta Chapter include:
Dr. Sandra Magnus, Shuttle Astronaut and 2012-2018 Executive Director of AIAA
Nacy Ostin, Director of IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu
Dr. Cheryl B. Schrader, President of Wright State University
James V. Leonard, Senior Technical Fellow of Boeing and 2003 IEEE-USA President
Robert Scolli, 2006-2007 IEEE R5 Director
Mervin J. Kelly, 1951-1959 President of Bell Labs and HKN Eminent Member"

Gamma Theta History Archive
“

IEEE-HKN is a valuable asset in the department. The students play a role in student recruitment, service to underclassmen, social coordination, and outreach in the community. I call on IEEE-HKN frequently to help with prospective student visits. They always respond with a first-class effort. The department is far better for HKN's involvement, and all the students and faculty benefit."

Dr. Daryl Beetner, S&T ECE Chair 2014-2020
“

HKN involves students with the rest of the profession and makes students active partners as opposed to passive participants in their educational institutions.

Steve E. Watkins, Chapter Advisor and Gamma Theta Member ‘82
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Serving as an HKN Chapter Officer has really helped me to meet new people in my profession and see what's out there!

Hayden Long, Gamma Theta Member '20
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The Gamma Theta Chapter Officer team is always looking for ways to improve the chapter engagement, recruitment, and opportunities for past, present, and future members.

Stella White, Gamma Theta Member ‘20