Alan Kallmeyer, professor and chair of mechanical engineering, is the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce NDSU Distinguished Faculty Service Award. He will be recognized during NDSU’s annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence, scheduled for Thursday, May 10, at 3 p.m. the Memorial Union’s Plains room, Memorial Union.
The award recognizes NDSU faculty members who have attained distinction in their profession, focusing especially on service contributions to the community and the region.
“Faculty scholarship, service and teaching are what distinguishes NDSU,” said Provost Beth Ingram. “This award recognizes Dr. Kallmeyer’s exceptional contributions to NDSU’s mission and demonstrates his extraordinary service and dedication to his profession, NDSU students, and our community.”
Kallmeyer, who has been at NDSU for more than 20 years, was nominated by Gary Smith, former dean of engineering. The nomination included letters of support from Bradley Schmidt, retired Cass County Electric vice president for engineering and operations, and James Walter, 702 Communications president and CEO.
“Dr. Kallmeyer deeply believes that in order for the U.S. to remain competitive globally, it is critical that we expose children to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) opportunities through high-quality programming at an early age,” Smith said. “ During his time at NDSU, Alan has shown an unwavering commitment to K-12 STEM outreach as a cornerstone to the land-grant mission of our university.”
Kallmeyer is a co-founder and coordinator for the BEST Robotics program at NDSU. The program is designed to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields through a competition for middle and high school students to design and build robotics projects. BEST stands for Boosting Engineering Science and Technology. “Year after year, he selflessly contribute countless hours of his time as well as his talents to the execution of the overall program,” Smith said. “The BEST Robotics program at NDSU has seen 10 years of continued success and growth, with impact to thousands of students throughout our community and region. Alan has not only served in the local area as a primary lead for this program, he has served in various national board of directors roles as director, treasurer and vice president.”
Kallmeyer also is the principal investigator for a National Science Foundation project called “Research Experience for Teachers” that introduces teachers to the work and research in engineering. Teachers participate in a six-week research program at NDSU, so they can better relate the field to students.
In addition, Kallmeyer was a co-organizer and instructor for the STEM Kids Summer Enrichment Program, a weeklong camp for students in grades 3-5.
“Dr. Kallmeyer has been able to engage teaching and research aspects into his service efforts,” Smith said. “Without dedicated individuals who are committed to a long-term vision of opportunities for youth, the programs would not see the successes and impacts on individuals in the community and region that I have witnessed. Much of that success and impact is a direct result of the service activity of Dr. Kallmeyer.”
Kallmeyer’s other service activities have included the FM Engineers Club, Red River Soccer Association and Northern Lights Council of the Boy Scouts.
Kallmeyer joined the NDSU faculty in 1995. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, and his master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa, Iowa City.
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