Sherman, Texas -- Austin College hosted a meeting of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers on Thursday, October 8, bringing local engineering professionals and students together on campus.

The campus meeting was the Society’s second at Austin College. The College has an ongoing relationship with the group—Founding Director of the Engineering Program and Associate Professor of Engineering Dr. Rahul Renu has attended meetings over the past two years and has even brought students to participate. The Society has provided scholarships to Austin College students every year for the past three years. Members of the Society routinely engage with Austin College Engineering students through guest lectures and by providing internship opportunities. Some members also serve on the AC Engineering Advisory Council, including Council Chair Clay Barnett.

The gathering offered Austin College students an opportunity to connect with experienced engineers and build their professional network.

“Austin College is deeply grateful to the Northeast Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers,” said Renu. “Their support of the engineering program through scholarships, guest lectures, and internships gives our students a truly unique opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world applications.”

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.