University of Phoenix Executive Dean Dennis Bonilla Receives INSIGHT Into Diversity 2017 Inspiring Leaders in STEM Award
By University of Phoenix
PHOENIX, Aug. 21, 2017 – In recognition of his efforts and accomplishments in inspiring and encouraging a new generation of students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Dennis Bonilla, executive dean of the College of Information Systems & Technology at University of Phoenix®, has received the 2017 Inspiring STEM Leaders award. The award, granted by INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine – the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education – honors professionals from underrepresented groups who have made a difference in the STEM fields.
Bonilla, who was born and raised in New York before moving to Puerto Rico as a young adult, possesses a wealth of experience in the STEM disciplines. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering and an MBA in operations sciences. Bonilla’s professional experience includes Fortune 500 companies and in the tech and healthcare industries. As executive dean for University of Phoenix, he uses his expansive knowledge and industry experience to enhance the University’s career-relevant educational offerings in the STEM disciplines.
“Dennis exemplifies University of Phoenix’s goal of providing access to higher education for working adults of all backgrounds and he understands the importance of fostering an interest in tech education among people of all ages and races,” said Angie Williams, Ed.D., dean of multicultural affairs and diversity at University of Phoenix. “This award further recognizes Dennis as an advocate of STEM education and his contribution toward helping eliminate skills gap, particularly for minority groups.”
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected Bonilla for his scholarly work and contributions to minority groups and the IT, STEM and cybersecurity fields. In addition to serving as a regular contributor and subject matter expert for tech startup news outlets and Hispanic business-focused magazines, Bonilla serves as a member of top Hispanic boards, including the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the Los D-backs Ambassadors Council. In his professional work, he regularly promotes collaborative efforts with IT and STEM organizations that reach underrepresented groups.
One such effort is the launch of the University’s RedFlint experience center concept. Co-founded by Bonilla and School of Business Executive Dean Ruth Veloria, RedFlint serves as a hands-on learning environment that offers technology and STEM-related workshops to help individuals and businesses educate, incubate and accelerate.
“Increasing the STEM workforce is a top concern worldwide, yet these occupations continue to be one of the least diverse and data shows little progress for more than a decade. Women, Hispanics and blacks are severely underrepresented and will continue to be until we change the stigma of STEM careers” Bonilla said. “As a STEM professional from Hispanic descent, I am proud to serve as an educational leader and inspire others from underrepresented groups to consider a career in a STEM-related field.”
Award recipients were nominated by a colleague and selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity, based on their efforts in mentoring, teaching, research, and their involvement in successful programs and initiatives. Bonilla will be featured, along with 40 other recipients, in the September 2017 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
For more information about University of Phoenix diversity initiatives, visit https://www.phoenix.edu/equity-and-diversity.html.
About College of Information Systems and Technology
University of Phoenix College of Information Systems and Technology is a leader and advocate for the development and advancement of IT in global business operations. The College offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Its Faculty Advisory Council, composed of experts and leaders in the field, ensures curriculum is on pace with national and international market demands. Providing innovative digital learning tools developed to suit all learning styles, the College focuses on building technical knowledge and its successful application to real-world business environments. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu/technology.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc., University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.
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