Dr. Terri Norton has come a long way since earning her doctorate in civil engineering (2005) at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
On July 1, 2018, Norton begins a new job as the Bucknell University College of Engineering Associate Dean for Students & Strategic Initiatives, a role in which she will support students and promote diversity and inclusion.
According to the university release, Norton will use this newly configured role to provide support for students, assist in maintaining the college of engineering’s accreditation, promote diversity and inclusion as well as other leadership duties.
“Terri Norton will bring Bucknell a deep passion for student engagement and success,” said Patrick Mather, dean of the Bucknell College of Engineering. “Seeing her interact with our community brought her significant accomplishments—evident on paper—to life for me. She will bring the ear of an empathetic listener, the confidence of an accomplished teacher-scholar and her joyful style of coaching students along their paths.”
Norton is currently an associate professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has spent more than 10 years serving in leadership roles at the university. She is a construction engineering program coordinator, CONE ABET Chair, Faculty adviser, College and STEM Camp Director and Founder as well as a mentor. Her contributions in the area of disaster recovery and hazard mitigation education and community are a direct reflection of her dedication to ensuring that all people, especially underrepresented minorities are represented and respected.
In February 2018, her career accomplishments were highlighted at the 2018 BEYA STEM Global Competiveness Conference held in Washington, D.C., where she won the Lifetime Achievement Award in Educational Leadership.
The Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) showcases some of the best and brightest scientists and engineers and recipients are recognized for their achievements and accomplishments in (STEM) science, technology, engineering and math.
“We’re all given the same 24 hours in a day, how we spend it is up to us,” Norton said about the award. “I choose to invest my time to educate, encourage and inspire students.”
During her time as a student in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s civil and environmental engineering department, Norton worked with WHEEL (Wind Hazard Earthquake Engineering Lab), led by Dr. Makola Abdulla.
“My work in WHEEL, served as my foundation and provided entrance into the hazards and disasters mitigation community,” she reflected. “It afforded me opportunities to conduct international research. This also drives me to want to provide similar opportunities to my students.”
From BEYA to Bucknell, Norton continues to impact young lives and shape the engineers of the future.