2009 ASEE SE Keynote Speaker

George Blanks is Director of K-12 Engineering Outreach for the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University, He is also Executive Director of BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology – www.bestinc.org) Middle and High School Robotics Competition, which is headquartered in the college. BEST is a non-profit, volunteer-based program that licenses “hubs” (competition sites) to organizations, colleges and universities, school systems, and groups of individuals to host the competition. In fall 2009, BEST will operate 39 hubs in 16 states with over 750 schools and 12,000 students participating. BEST is the second largest robotics competition in the U.S. and the only one that is free to participating schools. It is recognized nationally for its affordability, open access to all schools, and effectiveness at helping students develop technological literacy skills.

As Executive Director, Dr. Blanks’ primary duties include establishing educational partnerships with major corporations and professional engineering societies; recruiting national sponsors to help fund its hubs; raising awareness of BEST as a K-12 workforce development program; and recruiting Engineering schools and colleges to host BEST competitions on their campuses.

Prior to his current position, George was Director of Business and Engineering Continuing Education in Auburn’s College of Engineering. Previously, Blanks was Director of Student Life at Auburn, responsible for creating Auburn’s residence life, service learning, and leadership development programs. Before coming to Auburn in 1985, Blanks was Associate Dean of Students at Samford University in Birmingham.

George earned an undergraduate degree in Communications from Samford, a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership/College Student Development from Auburn University.