Kennesaw State University announced on Mar. 19 that Cameron Coates, assistant dean of operations and professor of aerospace engineering, and Anastasia Morris, a senior in mechanical engineering technology, received top honors at the 2026 Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) Engineer of the Year Award ceremony.
The awards recognize excellence, leadership, and contributions to the engineering profession across Georgia. Coates was named Engineer of the Year in Education, while Morris was recognized as Engineering Technology Student of the Year. Both were selected among peers from institutions such as the Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Mercer University, and Georgia Southern University.
Founded in 1934, GSPE represents licensed professional engineers and promotes engineering excellence, ethical standards, and public safety. Its annual awards are considered among the most prestigious distinctions for engineers in the state.
Coates said his recognition reflects a career shaped by diverse experiences across multiple disciplines. “Over the years, I have acquired experiences across multiple disciplines, including aerospace, mechanical, geotechnical, environmental, and construction,” Coates said. “I believe these experiences allow me to influence a wide range of engineering majors and highlight the value of interdisciplinary design and professional licensure.” He added: “I am grateful to the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers. It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized with this award.”
Coates also discussed Kennesaw State’s approach to student learning: “Students are able to see what’s happening in real time,” he said. “Whether it’s working with contractors, understanding standards, or seeing how safety measures impact project completion, those experiences carry across all areas of engineering.” Looking ahead, he hopes to increase student participation in professional licensure exams and expand industry-connected learning opportunities. “There is always more to learn,” he said. “I hope to strengthen both my professional growth and opportunities for our students.”
Morris described her recognition as affirming and motivating: “Receiving this award has made me realize how much I’ve progressed and that my hard work does not always go unnoticed,” she said. Drawn to engineering through her passion for cars and motorsports—and attracted by Kennesaw State’s hands-on curriculum—she developed skills in problem-solving and collaboration during her studies. After graduation she hopes to pursue opportunities in motorsports or with companies such as Southern States LLC or Yamaha Motor Company. “My goal is to do well and be fulfilled in my work and still have time for spending time in nature,” she said.
SPCEET Dean Lawrence Whitman commented on their achievements: “This recognition speaks to the quality of our faculty and students and the culture of excellence we have built within the college,” he said. “Dr. Coates and Anastasia exemplify the dedication and impact that define Kennesaw State engineering.”
Kennesaw State has a history of recognition from GSPE over the past decade with several faculty members—including former SPCEET Dean Thomas Currin (2016), Nancy Turner (2017), Lance Crimm (2019), Renee Butler (2020), Nancy J. Turner (2022), Gregory Wiles (2024)—and students such as Valerie Washington (2016), Kurt Jacobson (2016), Chloe Enix (2018), Ryan Waltman (2024) receiving similar honors.
