NSBE 2017-2018 Freshman of the Year / Mentor of the Year

Makya Stell, a freshman Computer Science student at the University of Oklahoma, has named the 2017-2018 National Society of Black Engineers' (NSBE) Freshman of the Year and Mentor of the Year. Every year, only one person is chosen for both of these awards, and Makya was the one to receive it for the school year 2017-2018. The NSBE Freshman of the Year award is awarded to one freshman who not only excels in their studies but is heavily involved around their college campus and truly makes a difference. The Dr. Wayne Jones Fulfilling the Legacy (Mentor of the Year) Award is presented to a NSBE member who believes in mentorship and exemplifies this by mentoring others to ensure they are given all the tools needed to be just as successful as their mentor. 

Makya is heavily involved in the National Society of Black Engineers' Pre-Collegiate Initiative (NSBE PCI). The Pre-Collegiate Initiative is a program that works to introduce young students to different engineering fields and college life in hopes that they will choose to pursue a college degree and major in one of the engineering disciplines. Both of those awards perfectly define Makya's character and beliefs. She is not only grateful to have such a distinguished award bestowed upon her, but she plans on continuing to make a difference within her community.