Contact: Jack Bailey (304) 766-4109 Jbaile19@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State University (WVSU) College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will host its fall convocation “The Bright Future of STEM Careers in Appalachia,” Tuesday, Nov. 13, beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Hamblin Hall auditorium.
Steven B. Hedrick, the president and chief executive officer of the Mid-Atlantic Technology, Research and Innovation Center (MATRIC), will serve as the keynote speaker and will discuss the regional employment outlook for jobs that require STEM degrees. In particular, he will address the Appalachia Storage and Trading Hub, the impact it will have on the region, and the jobs that will be needed to support this project. The event is free and open to the public.
“It is important for our students to learn about opportunities available in the STEM fields after graduation,” said Dr. Naveed Zaman, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “Especially as we get ready to launch our new four-year bachelor’s degree program in engineering with a major in chemical engineering in 2019.”
Located in the Regional Technology Park in South Charleston, MATRIC is an independent, nonprofit, corporation located at the former world research headquarters of Union Carbide. From its inception in 2003, MATRIC has worked to extend the history of innovation that occurred in West Virginia’s Chemical Valley.
Hedrick has more than 20 years of experience in the petrochemical industry, holding roles of increasing responsibility at Bayer CropScience, Bayer MaterialScience, Bayer Polymers and Lyondell. His entry into the chemical industry followed service as an officer in the U.S. Army.
In addition to Hedrick’s remarks, December graduates of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will be recognized at Tuesday’s convocation.
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