Serita Acker is the director of Women in Science and Engineering (WISE).

WISE offers mentoring, networking, tutoring, professional development opportunities and a living-and-learning community for sophomore students. Acker also oversees several academic summer camps and outreach programs for students in the K-12 system.

“I congratulate Serita on her award, the latest of many,” said Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering and Science. “Her work helps the college recruit and retain underrepresented groups in engineering and science, which is vital to creating a diverse workforce. We are truly lucky to have a leader like her.”

Acker joined Clemson’s Programs for Educational Enrichment and Retention (PEER) staff in 1995. The position led to her involvement with WISE.

“It’s a great opportunity to again give Clemson University national exposure and showcase our efforts to fill the STEM pipeline with more women and underrepresented students,” Acker said.

Acker has also been presented with the university’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Excellence in Service Award. Recently, she was selected as a mentor in the American Association of Community College’s Mentor Links program.

As a mentor, she has the opportunity to share best practices for educating, recruiting and retaining students for career paths in science, technology, engineering and math. Mentors nationwide were selected through the National Science Foundation and this grant to share expertise in STEM.