Porters give back by establishing engineering scholarship

Jeanna and Jay Porter recently established the Jeanna '87 and Jay Porter ’86 Endowed Scholarship in the Texas A&M University College of Engineering, which will provide one or more scholarships to undergraduate engineering students.

While Jay and Jeanna were deciding where to go to college, they each had the opportunity to visit Texas A&M. They both loved the campus, culture and traditions. Jay was the first of his family to attend Texas A&M, and Jeanna was a first-generation college student. 

The couple met in Aggieland while they were pursuing their undergraduate degrees, and they were married soon after graduation. Jay graduated with his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, and Jeanna graduated with her Bachelor of Science in education. 

“Our lives were impacted by our education at Texas A&M,” Jay said. “It prepared us for rewarding careers, and in many ways gave us some of the most influential opportunities that we have had in our lives.”

Jay’s interest and desire to study engineering at Texas A&M did not end when he earned his undergraduate degree. He remained to obtain his master’s degree in physics and doctoral degree in electrical engineering. He began his professional academic career at another institution, but after several years, an opportunity arose for him to return to Texas A&M as faculty for the College of Engineering. The Porters eagerly packed their bags and left for College Station, excited to raise their family in the place that meant so much to them.

Jay has made many contributions to the engineering technology field, has authored many publications throughout his career, and has received numerous awards for teaching, research, and service.   In 2008, Jay received one of twelve University Professorships for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence; was the recipient of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Robert G. Quinn Award in 2009; was recognized with the 2014 ASEE Frederick J. Berger Award; and received the 2016 College of Engineering Eugene Webb Faculty Fellow Service Award.  Jay has a passion for supporting undergraduate students and has advised over fifty senior capstone design teams.  In 2014, he was the faculty advisor to a team awarded the 2014 ASEE Gulf Southwest 1st place Student Paper Award.

Jay has also contributed heavily to the development of the engineering programs offered at Texas A&M. He helped create the Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology program within the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution, which is now offered at Texas A&M University at Galveston. He continues to dedicate his talents to improving the engineering programs at the Galveston campus, where he presently serves as associate dean for the College of Engineering.

The Porters have experienced firsthand the challenges that come with being students at Texas A&M University. They established the scholarship specifically for first-generation students who are pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, electronic systems engineering technology or multidisciplinary engineering technology. They also prefer that scholarship recipients demonstrate financial need.

“We hope that students can have the same opportunities that my wife, daughters and I have been blessed with,” Jay said. The Porters hope their gift will enable students to reach their goals in the engineering field. “We know there are many students who can benefit from some financial support in order to pursue a college degree and their dream.”

The Porters live in Galveston, Texas. While Jay spends his time at Texas A&M, Jeanna dedicates her talents to the younger generation as a teacher at Holy Family Catholic School. Their three daughters, Lauren ’15, Sarah ’18 and Jennifer ’21, all followed in their parents’ footsteps and graduated from Texas A&M.