URI assistant diversity director wins award from tech ed group

CHARLES A. WATSON, assistant director of minority recruitment for the University of Rhode Island’s College of Engineering, has been honored for the second time in a month for his work with students. / COURTESY CHARLES WATSON
CHARLES A. WATSON, assistant director of minority recruitment for the University of Rhode Island’s College of Engineering, has been honored for the second time in a month for his work with students. / COURTESY CHARLES WATSON

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – For the second time in a month, Charles A. Watson, assistant director of diversity at the University of Rhode Island’s College of Engineering, has been recognized for his work to help students, especially those of color.
Watson, 51, of Cranston, recently was honored by IntraCity Geeks, a Providence-based organization that teaches computer skills to students in urban areas.

Watson will receive the group’s “Innovation Award” on April 15 at 6:30 p.m., at the group’s HackPVD computer coding event at the Providence Public Library on Empire Street.
“I am honored and proud to receive this recognition,’’ Watson said in a statement. “The tireless work effort is starting to bear fruit. This isn’t a sign that the job is done, but that the commitment is ongoing.’’
His award from IntraCity recognizes his contributions to students not only at URI, but throughout the state. He is being honored for his work helping students in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.
In addition, Watson was honored by the National Society of Black Engineers on March 26 with the minority engineering program director of the year award. He received the honor during the group’s 42nd annual conference in Boston.
Watson, a 1993 URI graduate, joined the College of Engineering in 2004 to help recruit and guide minority students, helping them with professional internships, laboratory research, social issues and financial concerns. According to information from URI, since that time, minority enrollment has increased to 13 percent from 3 percent.
Google, Amazon, FM Global, National Grid PLC, Toray Plastics (America) Inc. and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center are where some of these engineering students now work.

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