We are happily announcing Praveen Sekhar, Associate Professor with the School of Engineering and Computer Science at WSU Vancouver, as a Crimson Spirit Award recipient.

Praveen’s nominators are recognizing him for his “incredible, genuine and enthusiastic” participation within the WSU community. Praveen serves on various committees within the WSU system, some of which include: Faculty Senator, Council of Faculty Representatives, International Student Association Advisor, Campus Council and the Academic Affairs Committee. His involvement in these committees has given him the components to approach difficult university issues. He takes time to connect with departments; and engages and manages challenges in a thoughtful and respectable manner. Throughout his nominations Praveen is consistently mentioned to provide superior support and service to students. He serves as an advocate and an informal mentor; committed to being an educator who sees students’ full potential and nurtures it.

In addition to his many campus affiliations, Praveen has been serving as an executive council member of the Portland Chapter of iUrbanTeen since 2021. iUrbanTeen is a nationally recognized program with the intent to bring career-focused education to underrepresented teens. He has conducted numerous activities with iUrbanTeen including the iEngineer Summit and multiple Capstone projects with a goal to increase campus visibility and increase enrollment at WSUV. Praveen was also inducted into WSU’s Teaching Academy; faculty who receive this award have wide-range expertise in teaching-related areas.

One nominator concludes by saying, “[His] exemplary service to the WSU community and his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion along with his humbleness, approachability, kindness, empathy, and generosity of time makes him an ideal candidate for this award. Praveen Sekhar continues to propel the WSU mission forward and demonstrates highest representation of the Crimson Spirit.”