FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sep 22, 2011    #161
Contact: Laura Byerley
(816) 235-1592

UMKC and Northwest Missouri State University professors co-chair first regional conference on women in computing

Oct. 7-8 event addresses national decline of women choosing computer science professions

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Computing and Engineering (SCE) Associate Teaching Professor Judy Mullins and Northwest Missouri State University Associate Professor of Computer Science and Information Systems Carol Spradling will co-chair the first Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas Women in Computing (MINKWIC) conference Oct. 7-8 at the Embassy Suites Kansas City - Plaza, 220 West 43rd St., Kansas City, Mo. A career fair featuring 14 companies and 4 graduate schools is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. on Oct. 8, as well. For more information, visit http://minkcwic.acm.org/.

This regional meeting, modeled after the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, will bring together students, faculty and technology leaders from across the four states to discuss the role of women in today's computing and technology fields, share experiences and strategies for success and explore issues common to women working in these fields. Specifically, the goal is to provide an opportunity for young women to explore opportunities in computing, network with other women from academia, industry and government and create friendships among women in the region who share the same interest and passion for computing. This celebration is part of a nationwide effort to address the alarming decline of women choosing computer science professions.

Representatives from Microsoft, Google, IBM, Cerner, Garmin, Monsanto, Hewlett-Packard, Booz Allen Hamilton and Principal Financial will speak at the event, and students can present their research and areas of study.

The MINKWIC regional conference is funded by a grant from the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology, Association for Computing Machinery's Council on Women in Computing, National Center for Women & Information Technology, National Science Foundation and Microsoft Research. Gold sponsors for the event are Microsoft, the Anita Borg Institute and Booz Allen Hamilton. The silver sponsor is Cerner Corporation.

About the UMKC School of Computing and Engineering
Located in one of the nation's largest engineering communities, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Computing and Engineering is Kansas City's only university with ABET-accredited engineering, computer science and information technology degree programs.

SCE's internationally-recognized faculty prepare students for today's competitive job market by providing a curriculum that includes the latest technology and business trends, as well as a comprehensive education in each field's theory and fundamental practice. Our classes also build bridges to the professional world by partnering with local companies, organizations and engineers. To learn more about SCE, visit http://sce.umkc.edu/default.asp.

About the University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.

About the Northwest Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
Located in Maryville, Mo., Northwest Missouri State University's Department of Computer Science and Information Systems is dedicated to the development of future leaders in the information technology (IT) industry. Highly qualified faculty members collaborate and work together to educate students who come from throughout the world to obtain a quality education in diverse areas of study that include business education, business technology, computer science, interactive digital media and management information systems. Research projects also give both undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills they need to succeed in the IT job market worldwide. To learn more, visit http://www.nwmissouri.edu/dept/csis/.

About Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University is a coeducational, primarily residential four-year university offering a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs. Founded in 1905, the university has evolved into a vibrant and diverse learning community with an enrollment of more than 7,100 students hailing from throughout the United States and 45 countries. Known as the "electronic campus," Northwest provides fully-loaded notebook computers to all full-time students while placing high value on hands-on experiences, collaboration and strategic thinking. For more information about Northwest, visit http://www.nwmissouri.edu/. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.

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This information is available to people with speech or hearing impairments by calling Relay Missouri at (800) 735-2966 (TT) or (800) 735-2466 (voice).

 

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