ACTE Announces Virginia Tech Research Faculty and Director of the Thinkabit Labs STEM Education and Workforce Development Programs as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced James Egenrieder, Research Faculty and Director of the Thinkabit Labs STEM Education and Workforce Development Programs at Virginia Tech College of Engineering, Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity in the Washington, D.C. Area, as the 2022 Region II (Southeastern U.S.) Postsecondary Educator of the Year.
This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
James A. (Jim) Egenrieder is a long-time teacher of agriculture, technology and engineering education, life sciences, and a CTE and STEM Education teacher specialist. He is now a professor, farmer, agricultural and environmental researcher, and teacher trainer.
Jim serves on the research faculty in Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering's Center for Enhancement of Engineering Diversity Research Faculty and as the Director of the Thinkabit Labs K-20 technical (STEM) education and workforce development programs in Virginia Tech National Capital Region.
Jim is also on the Natural Resources and Environment faculty of Virginia Tech's Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability, President Emeritus of the Washington Academy of Sciences, and serves on the Board of the Virginia Association of Career and Technical Education, the Virginia Technology and Engineering Education Association, the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, Leadership Fairfax, and the Advisory Board of Urban Alliance.
He also serves on the Executive Committee of Virginia Tech's College Access Collaborative and the University's Diversity Faculty, and he coordinates the Virginia STEM Learning Ecosystem for the Department of Defense.
Dr. Egenrieder is one of five finalists for the 2023 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country.
The event will take place on November 30, 2022, at 7 p.m. in Las Vegas. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.