(400b) Life & Legacy of a Transformative Nuclear Career

Dr. Harold Conner rose from meager beginnings to become the first African-American chemical engineering graduate of his university and, ultimately, leading 3,000 workers at the world’s largest uranium enrichment plant. He built a stellar reputation at the helm of a vital national security facility through a challenging period of American history even as he became a guiding beacon and mentor for three generations of nuclear professionals. A product of the Civil Rights era, Dr. Conner is the son of school teachers who instilled in him a lifelong love of learning that helped fuel his ambitious and groundbreaking career pursuits. He broke barriers in academia and in business, leveraging an entry-level internship into a 55-year career in senior management at government nuclear facilities across the country. His story is one of outstanding achievement, culminating in an impressive legacy that reflects well on his professional success and his enduring role as an able ambassador for the field of chemical engineering.

This talk will emphasize the Leadership Traits that have been developed over my career of Challenging the Status Quo, inspiring a Shared Vision, Enabling Others to Act, Modeling the Way, and Encouraging the Heart. These leadership principles have ensured my career success and can help you succeed in any professional endeavor.