UTEP Computer Science Chair Wins National Education Award

September 1, 2015 | UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

Ann Quiroz Gates, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair of Computer Science Ann Gates, Ph.D., is the recipient of the 2015 Great Minds in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Education award. Gates was selected for the honor from about 200 nationwide nominations.

Great Minds in STEM, formerly known as the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation (HENAAC), created the Education award to honor individuals involved in higher education across the U.S. Nominees are typically educators, administrators or coordinators who demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting STEM education.

"The selection committee felt strongly that the work that Dr. Gates has committed her attention to, her exceptional contributions to educational programs and her leadership, made her a deserving recipient of the Education award," said Monica Villafana, director of professional programs at Great Minds in STEM.

Villafana emphasized that Gates' leadership and involvement in initiatives like Latinas in Computing and the Computing Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions (CAHSI) demonstrates her eagerness to share computing education with underrepresented communities.

HENAAC is known for honoring the nation's best and brightest Hispanic engineers, scientists and technology experts. The caliber of HENAAC nominees and award winners reflects the highest levels of excellence of Hispanics in STEM. A core mission of the organization is to highlight and showcase these outstanding role models to inspire young people to pursue careers in technology and to motivate professionals to continue to connect with the Hispanic community.

Gates said, "I am pleased that the efforts to increase the number of Hispanics in computing is being recognized. The Education award not only acknowledges my contributions, it also acknowledges my mentors and colleagues who have supported and contributed to the work of the Latinas in Computing and CAHSI."

Gates will be honored for her work in October at the 27th Annual HENAAC Conference in Pasadena, CA.