Top Texas Engineering and Computer Science University Students Learn to Lead at Dallas Conference

-- All Across Texas Leadership Conference Taking Place May 16-19, 2011 --

DALLAS, May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 100 highly motivated engineering and computer science students from Texas universities are converging at the Radisson Hotel Central Dallas May 16-19 for the All Across Texas Engineering Leadership Development Conference. These future engineers and scientists are learning from industry leaders and educators the critical importance of merging leadership with collaboration.

The All Across Texas program is made possible by a Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) grant. A website, www.allacrosstexas.us, connects employers offering paid internships in Texas with engineering and computer science students from 37 Texas universities. This leadership conference serves as an ancillary program that is fully funded for the students.

Students hand-selected by their deans to attend the conference will find opportunities to network with peers and industry leaders while developing leadership skills. Conference speakers will help students visualize the journey from the classroom to the boardroom and include John Kiser, Executive Director of the SMU Hart Center for Leadership; Mark Denissen, V.P. World Wide Strategic Marketing, Texas Instruments (TI); and Dr. Pete A. DeLisle, the Leslie B. Crane Chair and Professor of Leadership Studies and Director of The Posey Leadership Institute at Austin College.

"The All Across Texas internships match exceptional students with leading companies, providing real world experience that will prepare these young people for success," said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. "This program develops in these already bright and motivated students the leadership skills to compete and win in the global marketplace. TWC is pleased to be part of this innovative partnership."

Conference attendees will participate in group projects and sessions exploring personal and industrial leadership, ethics and problem solving, as well as conversations with industry professionals. Presenters include Dr. Nathan Huntoon, Lyle School of Engineering's Director of the Innovation Gym, and keynote addresses from TI's Mark Denissen and conference facilitator Dr. Pete DeLisle.

"Every Texan has a stake in the All Across Texas program," says Kiser. "These students are tomorrow's Texas workforce -- the innovators who will engineer sustainable cities, safeguard our digital economy or advocate for the impoverished. Education enhancements such as this leadership development conference and paid internships will help mold these young students into the leaders and forward-thinkers our world needs."

Saul Villarreal, an industrial engineering major from Texas State University-San Marcos, says he is excited to meet other Texas engineering students and connect the dots between leadership theory and real world applications.

"I am really looking forward to meeting other engineering and computer science majors, especially because they are from all over Texas," says Villarreal. "This conference will be a great opportunity to improve my leadership skills and find career opportunities with some outstanding companies."

Forward-thinking Texas universities prepare students to succeed in a global economy by focusing on both technical skills and leadership development.  Engineering and computer science students enrolled in a Texas college or university have access to Texas companies with hundreds of paid internship opportunities through the All Across Texas program at www.allacrosstexas.us.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
John Kiser
http://www.profnetconnect.com/John_Kiser

SOURCE The Lyle School of Engineering at SMU