June 25 marked a significant milestone for the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCBELS). For the first time in decades, the Board convened engineering deans from colleges and universities across North Carolina for a collaborative roundtable focused on strengthening the future of the engineering profession.

The purpose of the meeting was to establish a stronger partnership between NCBELS and the state’s engineering programs, positioning the Board as a valuable resource for engineering students and encouraging them to pursue professional licensure early in their careers.

The discussion was highly productive, with the deans sharing valuable perspectives, demonstrating strong enthusiasm, and expressing a commitment to continued collaboration. Their insights will help guide future efforts to increase awareness of the engineering profession and the importance of Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure.

This meeting marks the beginning of an important initiative that will better prepare the next generation of engineers to uphold the highest standards of competence, ethics, and public safety. Under the leadership of Executive Director Andrew Ritter, Board staff will continue building partnerships with North Carolina’s engineering programs to support students, educators, and the profession as a whole.

I sincerely appreciate the participation and support of all the deans and Board members who contributed to the success of this initiative. Together, we are investing in the future of engineering in North Carolina.