Dr. Valerie G. Segovia began her career with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) more than a decade ago and now serves as its director. She has created impactful programs implemented across the state of Texas and some Asian Pacific countries. These include two NPI flagship programs, the Powerful Opportunities for Women Eager and Ready for Science, Engineering and Technology (POWER SET) and the Workforce Industry Training (WIT).
Segovia was also named director of educational outreach for the Texas A&M Nuclear Engineering & Science Center (NESC). In both director roles, she will provide leadership for the statewide workforce development mission of NPI and oversee NESC outreach and education programs.
“I’m very grateful to TEES leadership for providing me this opportunity, and I’m very appreciative of my family for supporting me in all I do,” said Segovia. “I continue to stay committed to exceeding expectations.”
Traditionally, only 15% to 17% of U.S. high school graduates pursue a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) college degree. Under Segovia’s leadership, an average of 75% to 80% of graduating high school students who participated in NPI programs have pursued a STEM degree within the past decade. She also serves as a content creator, producer and host of the NPI podcast, “The Path of Most Persistence.”
In addition to her professional roles, Segovia is a Gulf Coast Workforce board member and has worked in the public school system as an elementary teacher, high school counselor, high school assistant principal and high school principal. She has been recognized in her field and for her contributions at the state, federal and international levels. Segovia holds a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a doctoral degree. She is a proud mother of three grown, wonderful children, a “Bubbie” to her granddaughter and spouse to her husband, Raul.