GUIDON staff

The Maneuver Support Center deputy commanding general was recognized for her outstanding leadership and management skills by fellow engineers in Springfield, Mo., Friday.

Dr. Rebecca Johnson, MANSCEN deputy commanding general, was named the American Society of Engineering Management’s Engineer of the Year at the group’s 30th annual conference.

Each year the society names one individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership in the engineering profession.

“I was recognized for my ability to lead complex organizations, teams and programs, with highly developed technical and intuitive skills,” Johnson said.

Johnson, a Missouri University of Science and Technology alumnus, holds a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering and both a master’s and doctorate degree in engineering management.

Engineering managers with industry, government and education backgrounds founded ASEM, in 1979, as a means to improve engineers’ abilities to plan, organize and direct projects. Today, ASEM is a professional organization dedicated to the science and art of engineering management and covers many aspects of the engineering discipline.

“I was so very honored to receive this award. I was really excited to find out I had been selected for the award,” Johnson said.

“I learned about ASEM and its mission as a graduate student at the Rolla campus. It is a great organization, as they promote students getting involved in activities that advance their leadership and management skills, combined with their technical knowledge,” Johnson said.

The deputy commanding general is no stranger to awards. Johnson was inducted into the Missouri S&T Women’s Hall of Fame , March 30, in Rolla, in recognition of her career achievements and for being an outstanding alumna and representative of the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The induction ceremony was part of the university’s Women’s History Month celebration and “Missouri S&T Shining Stars” recognition event.

For other engineers longing for recognition, Johnson offered advice for not only engineers, but for every professional career field.

“First, be technically competent, and then continue to advance your education  with both management and leadership courses,” Johnson said. “This will broaden your knowledge base and your ability to lead a team.”

“Also, you should get involved with organizations or societies that work with your profession or campus school department. These associations provide students opportunities to keep abreast of new advances in their field of study and help establish professional friendships and networking relationships throughout their career,” Johnson said.

For more information about ASEM, go to www.asme.org .

(Editor’s note: Information provided by Missouri S&T, Rolla, Mo. and ASME.)