May 2025
IEEE Attends 2025 ECEDHA Annual Conference
By Debra Gulick
IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional association, with more than 480,000 members worldwide. Many IEEE members who serve their universities in leadership positions are also members of ECEDHA. IEEE Educational Activities supports a number of programs that provide opportunities to students and strengthen ECE programs.
Mary Ellen Randall, 2025 IEEE President-Elect, provided the keynote address on Friday, March 21, 2025. She is the founder and CEO of Ascot Technologies, Inc., an award-winning software company specializing in enterprise applications and mobile delivery technologies. With over two decades of leadership experience, Randall has held key volunteer roles within IEEE, including IEEE Treasurer, IEEE Vice President of Member and Geographic Activities (MGA), and Region 3 Director. She is the creator of the IEEE MOVE International Community Outreach Program, which provides disaster relief and STEM education, earning her the prestigious IEEE Haraden Pratt Award for service.
Randall spoke about the importance of the educational and humanitarian activities that IEEE supports, including IEEE TryEngineering (resources for K-12 educators), EPICS in IEEE (a service-learning program for university students), and IEEE MOVE, among others. She encouraged universities to engage with their students through IEEE’s many humanitarian technology programs.
IEEE-HKN (Eta Kappa Nu), the honor society of IEEE, recognizes high-performing students pursuing degrees in IEEE’s fields of interest. IEEE-HKN promotes professional accomplishment, service to others, and leadership development for students and professionals in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and other IEEE fields of interest. IEEE-HKN hosted a reception on Sunday, March 23, 2025, where Outstanding Chapters were recognized. The Outstanding Chapter Award recognizes excellence in chapter administration and programs, and all IEEE-HKN Chapters are eligible to earn this award annually.
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Stephanie Gillespie, PhD, Chair of the IEEE University Resources Committee, hosted a focus group, where ECEDHA members were able to share their suggestions on how IEEE can support the work of ECE leaders. Suggestions included support for outreach programs, notification of grant opportunities, and access to resources. Gillespie was also present at the ECE Expo throughout the weekend to answer questions about EPICS in IEEE.
IEEE values its partnership with ECEDHA and looks forward to continued collaboration.
