Dr. Steve E. Watkins, professor of electrical and computer engineering, was named to the inaugural class of IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu’s Advisors of Distinction. The award recognizes long-term service to HKN chapters internationally. Watkins has advised the S&T chapter for 33 years and is a member of the S&T Academy of Electrical and Computer Engineers. He also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from S&T.

Dr. Thomas Gaylord, S&T alumnus and member of the S&T Academy of Electrical and Computer Engineers, was also named to the inaugural class. Gaylord is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Georgia Tech and has been the Georgia Tech chapter advisor for 46 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from S&T.

Photo: From left, Dr. M. Ryan Bales, 2024 president of IEEE-HKN; Dr. Steve Watkins; Christian Winingar, IEEE-HKN Advisors Recognition chair; and Dr. Sean Bentley, 2025 president of IEEE-HKN.