George Nnanna, the founding director of the University of Missouri–St. Louis School of Engineering, speaks at a welcome event in April. Nnanna has been elected to a five-year term as ABET commissioner and team chair for the Engineering Accreditation Commission. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)
George Nnanna, founding director of the University of Missouri–St. Louis School of Engineering, has been elected as ABET commissioner and team chair for the Engineering Accreditation Commission. His five-year term begins Aug. 1.
Nnanna was nominated for the role by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Committee on Engineering Accreditation and was officially sworn in on July 19 at ABET headquarters in Baltimore.
ABET – the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology – is the gold standard for accrediting engineering programs. More than 4,700 programs across nearly 1,000 institutions worldwide currently hold ABET accreditation. Among its four commissions, the EAC is responsible for evaluating undergraduate engineering programs to ensure they meet rigorous standards for academic quality and professional preparation.
Each accreditation commission is responsible for the continuous review and enhancement of its particular criteria, policies and procedures subsequent to review and approval by the appropriate governance body.
In his role as EAC commissioner and team chair, Nnanna will lead accreditation reviews for mechanical and related engineering programs. He will help select, mentor and oversee more than 150 program evaluators who conduct over 100 on-campus accreditation visits annually — shaping the quality and consistency of engineering education across the country and beyond.
“I am honored to be elected by my peers to serve in this important role,” Nnanna said. “The Engineering Accreditation Commission plays a crucial role in reviewing educational programs and making the final accreditation decisions – ensuring we uphold the highest standards of excellence.”
This national leadership role not only reflects Nnanna’s deep expertise but also elevates UMSL’s growing reputation in engineering education. As founding director, he has been instrumental in hiring faculty, designing curriculum and preparing to launch the university’s new School of Engineering in Fall 2025.
“George’s national leadership demonstrates his deep commitment to excellence, accountability and continual improvement in engineering education,” said Steven J. Berberich, UMSL’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “His dual roles position UMSL not only to launch and grow our School of Engineering with rigor but to ensure our graduates are well-equipped to serve Missouri, advance industry and innovate globally.”
Through his work with ABET, Nnanna will gain direct insight into accreditation best practices — empowering UMSL to integrate evolving standards into its civil, electrical and mechanical engineering programs from the start. His leadership ensures that UMSL’s School of Engineering will not only meet but exceed national expectations as it builds a strong foundation for the future.
