Trailblazer Speakers Summer 2024

Public Session | Keynote Speakers

Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D.

President of Virginia State University

Engineering Higher Education: Past, Present and Future

A history of higher education and its impact on society. Overcoming the current challenges that exist including the ever changing political landscape. Charting the future of higher education with AI.

Rebecca W. Doerge

Provost of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Courage, Leadership, and Saying Yes…

Abstract: Academia is perfect for out-of-the box thinkers. I have been told that I am one of those “thinkers”. My academic journey has been unexpected, at times unplanned, nonlinear, and interdisciplinary when that wasn’t even a thing. I have been asked to share my story with you. My hope is that you see yourself, and that I can encourage, confirm, and/or persuade you that a career in academia opens doors to a wide range of life experiences that will expand you as a person. Specifically, the chance to make the world a better place than that into which you were born, and unparalleled opportunity to impact the lives of others in countless ways, some of which will be surprising.