The Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama, served as the epicenter of innovation this year, playing host to the IEEE SoutheastCon 2026. For the Western Carolina University IEEE student chapter, the trip to Huntsville was more than just a conference; it was a definitive showcase of the talent, preparation, and creative prowess of WCU students.
Returning from the event, the WCU team has much to celebrate, having secured first place in the Presentation competition and first place in Promotional Design in addition to the robotics team making it to the semifinals and placed 14 out of 39 teams and placing eighth out of 19 teams in the Game Jam.
The annual IEEE SoutheastCon remains a premier destination for student engineers to test their skills against peers from across the region. While the conference covers a vast array of technical and creative challenges, this year’s victory in Presentation and Promotional Design highlights the versatility of WCU students, proving that successful engineering is as much about clear communication and compelling storytelling as it is about technical execution.
“Coming home with two first-place trophies is a testament to the hard work the entire club put in this year,” noted Haley Glenn, WCU IEEE president (2025-26). “Whether it is spending time bouncing ideas off each other until we wrote the perfect code or pulling an all-nighter to refine it. It truly was the dream team this season. The amount of combined dedication, time, and skills was wonderful to watch and be a part of. Every single person did their absolute best and should be incredibly proud of themselves. I know I was.
More Than Just a Competition
For many members, the value of the IEEE club extends far beyond the trophies. It is a space where classroom theory meets real-world application. Throughout the year, students spent countless hours brainstorming, prototyping, and collaborating, often navigating the common engineering challenge of balancing ambitious ideas with practical constraints.
This year’s success in Huntsville highlights the professional development that WCU students gain through their involvement. The Presentation category requires students to convey complex technical concepts to a broader audience. Jordan Fox, WCU IEEE Outreach Officer (2025-26), presented his interdisciplinary research and development of a mountain bike trail topography collection platform at WCU’s BRAVE Lab. The Promotional Design competition challenges them to capture the essence of WCU and IEEE SoutheastCON in a way that resonates with judges and peers alike.
Looking Ahead
The achievements at the Von Braun Center are a highlight in what has been another stellar year for the WCU IEEE chapter. As students look toward the next academic cycle, the momentum from this year’s victories will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future projects and continued growth within the College of Engineering and Technology.
“The connections we make, the hands-on experience, and the confidence we gain through these competitions are invaluable,” added Jordan Fox. “We are already brainstorming for next year, and we can’t wait to see what the next team accomplishes.”
WCU’s IEEE student branch continues to provide a vital community for students looking to connect with faculty, industry professionals, and peers. As the chapter continues to grow, it remains committed to fostering an environment where innovation and teamwork thrive.
Learn more about engineering programs at WCU and how to get involved with IEEE at WCU.
Story courtesy IEEE at WCU