From idea to impact

Ben Crutchfield builds the Nevada chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, and with it, a community

May 13, 2026
Whip Villarreal
Man in winter attire leans against a railing at night, gazing at an illuminated Ferris wheel in the background. The scene is calm and atmospheric.

Ben Crutchfield visits Navy Pier in Chicago, March 2025. Courtesy Ben Crutchfield.

From idea to impact

Ben Crutchfield builds the Nevada chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, and with it, a community

May 13, 2026
Whip Villarreal

Ben Crutchfield visits Navy Pier in Chicago, March 2025. Courtesy Ben Crutchfield.

Man in winter attire leans against a railing at night, gazing at an illuminated Ferris wheel in the background. The scene is calm and atmospheric.

Ben Crutchfield visits Navy Pier in Chicago, March 2025. Courtesy Ben Crutchfield.

Before he ever arrived on campus, Ben Crutchfield (Class of 2026) knew what he was looking for in college: a place to belong.

“Before I started attending the University,” said Ben, now a senior, “I knew I wanted to build a community and create a support system that I wish I had when I was young.”

That desire to create connection shaped how Ben approached his college experience — not just for himself, but for others searching for the same sense of belonging.

A group of six people walk along a city street at night. They appear cheerful, wearing winter clothing and holding food. The street is lined with lit shops.
Members of the University of Nevada, Reno chapter of the NSBE explore Chicago, March 2025. From left: Jade Johnson ‘25, Lalise Gizaw ‘25, Blesethe West ‘25, Jantanazia Robinson, Jada Okaikoi ’25 and Xzavier Gil. Courtesy Ben Crutchfield.

Founded in 1975, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the world’s largest student-governed organizations, with more than 700 chapters and a global membership exceeding 24,000. But until recently, a chapter did not exist at the University of Nevada, Reno.

An idea takes shape

When Ben met Tyreis Gatson ’23 (mechanical engineering), the two quickly realized that this needed to change. We started talking about our goals, interests and the things that we would want to do in college, and that’s when we had the idea to start an NSBE chapter,” said Ben.

The University’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) launched in 2023. Founded by Ben and Tyreis, the chapter created a new outlet for College of Engineering students to find their pack and expand their network.

A person in a black polo and bandana smiles while holding a laptop in an office. Others work at computers, and sunlight streams through large windows.
Ben Crutchfield at the University’s First-Generation Student Center inside the Pennington Student Achievement Center. Photo: Brin Reynolds ’12, ’15 MBA.

Initially, the chapter served as a way for prospective members to connect socially, but it has since evolved. Today, the group hosts study sessions, invites guest speakers and provides opportunities to attend national conferences. It also supports career development through résumé building, mock interviews, professional headshots and other activities designed to help students build their professional portfolios.

Opening doors in engineering

Ben, who serves as president, said the Nevada chapter has had a 100% success rate pairing members with job prospects at large conferences, including the NSBE’s annual professional development conference.

: A busy career fair scene with diverse attendees engaging at booths. Prominent signage includes Abbott and Micron, indicating a corporate environment
Ben Crutchfield makes connections during the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Annual Convention in Chicago, March 2025. Courtesy Ben Crutchfield.

By establishing this support, Ben hopes to help his peers and encourage more students to consider careers in engineering.

“I wanted to show others like me that it’s possible to pursue a career in engineering, even if you don’t necessarily look a certain way,” Ben said. “I want to get more people interested in the profession and let others know who may be in a similar situation I was when I started out that it’s possible to be successful in this industry, no matter what your background is.”

May 13, 2026
Whip Villarreal