Many technical professionals have connected with each other and built their skills by joining the international Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). During an elegant ceremony in fall 2024, Pensacola Christian College students officially joined these ranks when they were accepted into IEEE by the Northwest Florida Section. At the event, pioneering member Alexander Jackson (Jr., IL) stepped forward and received a gold plaque, which commemorated and recognized the brand-new PCC IEEE student branch. Faculty sponsor Mr. Joseph Coffey stood to give a speech, the new student members watching with smiling faces. Now, any PCC student may join the branch to connect with IEEE. This student-led, faculty-sponsored branch gives engineering and computing students valuable opportunities to develop skills and build community.
Initiating the Student Branch
This exciting event marked a well-deserved success for the branch pioneers. Engineering instructor Mr. Coffey began the initiative to create an IEEE student branch because he wanted students in engineering and computer science to have even more opportunities to strengthen classroom learning. Beyond providing professional development and skill training, membership gives access to the world’s largest network of technical professionals. “The educational and networking opportunities with both student peers and professionals are immense,” said Mr. Coffey.
“PCC provides [engineering] students with a solid, ABET accredited academic foundation—the IEEE student branch comes alongside students to supplement that education.”
Before he became the first elected chair of the IEEE student branch, Alexander supported the initiative to join. Because involvement would reinforce academics with real-world experience, Alexander saw the organization could complement PCC’s well-rounded programs. “When I realized that IEEE was not a regular club, but rather an organization that had the freedom and resources to bless its students in ways other groups simply couldn’t, I was all in for the student branch,” said Alexander. “PCC provides [engineering] students with a solid, ABET accredited academic foundation—the IEEE student branch comes alongside students to supplement that education,” Alexander added.
After the branch began, student officers worked diligently with peers, faculty, and IEEE professionals to establish a campus presence. Faculty were present to give guidance, but the students were ultimately responsible for planning events and recruiting members. Along with Alexander, current vice chair Elizabeth Horne (So., FL) helped launch the group. “We faced a steep learning curve and had to pioneer many processes,” said Elizabeth. “It was a busy but exciting time as we figured out how to communicate effectively, organize impactful meetings, and promote our events.”
These activities were a success, and other students responded and got involved. Whether they study mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, or IT, branch members are united by a common interest in technology. “I would describe IEEE as a gathering of technically passionate people—regardless of major—for the purpose of pursuing the projects and research that spark their interests,” said Gerrit Wielenga (So., FL), who succeeded Alexander as chair of the IEEE student branch.
Building Skills, Strengthening Community
These dedicated and passionate members have made the IEEE student branch a great success. The branch’s first year has been exciting so far, featuring many opportunities for students to take their skills to the next level while building community. The group has planned field trips, hosted guest speakers, and participated in nationwide competitions. Miss Chee Yum, a PCC engineering instructor and IEEE member, is impressed by this momentum. “Though our branch is not even one year old, our students have already actively engaged to organize themselves to participate in competitions at IEEE,” Miss Yum shared.
For their first competition, the branch sent a team to participate in SoutheastCon in spring 2025. This IEEE contest hosted 24 teams from the southeastern United States and challenged them to build a website. PCC’s performance was a success, setting an excellent precedent for future national competitions. “The highlight from my time in IEEE was leading the website project team for the 2025 SoutheastCon, which ranked 5th out of 24 college teams,” shared Gerrit.
“One of the greatest highlights of my time at IEEE has been seeing students of all STEM fields and classifications coming together to form a community.”
Contests like these often require computing students and engineering students to collaborate. To encourage teamwork, the student branch launched an official IEEE subgroup on August 20, 2025, the IEEE Computer Society Student Chapter. Although computing students were already involved in the group, the subdivision gives them added representation. Cybersecurity student Walter Reeves (Jr., GA), chair of the computer society, appreciates how the subgroup helps members understand each other’s fields. “In the systems we will be developing as computer scientists, we are able to see not only the software side of things but also the hardware [and] engineering side of things—and the engineering students are able to see the software side,” Walter explained.
Will Gibbs (Jr., TN), vice chair of the computer society, enjoys seeing IEEE encourage teamwork and friendship. “Since my sophomore year, I’ve desired [for] the engineering students and the computing students to connect with each other more on projects and interact with each other, and it’s been really great to see that happening.”
The branch members plan to put this collaboration into action at a coming contest: SoutheastCon 2026. This event will require them to combine engineering and computing skills to build a self-driving robot and drone. “We have already begun the planning stages for the project and intend to work as a team to develop software and robotic hardware over these next two semesters,” said Jonathan Tyler (Jr., Brazil), treasurer of the computer society.
Since receiving the branch’s plaque, Alexander has seen IEEE uniting students who otherwise may not have interacted. “One of the greatest highlights of my time at IEEE has been seeing students of all STEM fields and classifications coming together to form a community,” Alexander shared. “From freshman to senior, and from engineering to computer science, I’ve been able to work with a plethora of awesome individuals who wanted to give something of themselves to see this student group succeed.”
Encouraged by a year filled with unity, student branch members have amazing momentum to carry forward. They are excited to keep boosting their skills while building up the community of technical enthusiasts at PCC. Above all, they want their branch to showcase the enthusiasm and excellence that come from a commitment to Christ. “I’m thrilled to be part of this initiative and deeply grateful for the chance to witness how God works through our branch and PCC’s engineering [and computer science] department,” Elizabeth shared. “IEEE offers us a unique opportunity to elevate PCC’s presence in the [technical] world, strengthen our career paths, and ultimately expand our influence for Christ.”