Wekesa Appointed to National Science and Technology Council

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU

The University's associate provost for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kennedy Wekesa, has been appointed to The Universities Space Research Association's (USRA) HBCU Science and Technology Council. Wekesa began his formal term after the group’s August meeting when the USRA Board of Trustees formally approved his appointment to the Council. Among its many interests, the council takes a closer look at space.

Wekesa was officially notified by Dr. Jeffrey Issacson, USRA's president and CEO, of his appointment.  

"We are pleased and grateful that you are willing to take the time out of your busy schedule to assist us with this initiative," Issacson wrote. "The Council has been established with the purpose of providing expert assistance to USRA in engaging and partnering with HBCUs. Reporting to the USRA president and Board of Trustees, the Council will serve as a resource by providing strategic guidance on emerging trends, future directions, institutional capacity building, and other areas of interest. Once again, thank you for agreeing to serve in this important capacity for USRA, HBCUs, and the space research and education community."

Wekesa stated that he is honored and excited to join the Council. 

"I am a long-time advocate of HBCUs becoming more involved in STEM-related studies and my generation is immersed in space data, research and exploration. And now, to be involved actively in getting our community more involved in space exploration is a dream come true since it will also mean increased inclusion and diversity of African-Americans and HBCUs into what is the exploration of the universes,"  Wekesa said. "This council will be most interesting to serve on and champion the issues of ASU and her students." 

News media contact: Kenneth Mullinax, 334-229-4104.