NCWIT has named Dr. Judy Goldsmith, Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Kentucky, the recipient of the 2025 Harrold and Notkin Research and Graduate Mentoring Award.
NCWIT has also named Dr. Maureen Biggers the recipient of the 2025 NCWIT Joanne McGrath Cohoon Service Award.
The NCWIT Harrold and Notkin Research and Graduate Mentoring Award, sponsored by the NCWIT Board of Directors, recognizes faculty members who have combined outstanding research accomplishments with excellence in graduate mentoring, as well as those who advocate for equity in computing fields at both local and national levels. It is awarded in memory of Mary Jean Harrold and David Notkin to honor their outstanding research, graduate mentoring, and efforts to broaden participation in computing.
Dr. Goldsmith earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics (with a minor in Computer Science) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Since joining the faculty at the University of Kentucky in 1993, she has been active in encouraging students from a variety of backgrounds to pursue graduate studies in computing. She has served on committees toward that end, as well as actively conducted outreach at CS departments at other universities in the greater Kentucky region. Her research areas include artificial intelligence (AI) and ethics. She is interested in stochastic modeling, especially as applied in AI, and she runs a weekly AI seminar that encourages undergraduates to explore research topics. Many of her mentees at the University identify as LGBTQ+, women, and students with disabilities, some of whom mentioned, in student testimonials, that they would not have persisted in the computing field had it not been for her. Dr. Goldsmith also advises additional graduate student mentees for whom she is not their formal advisor, including women and underrepresented people of color in CS.
The Joanne McGrath Cohoon Service Award, sponsored by AT&T, honors distinguished educators and staff who have effectively challenged and changed the systems that shape the experiences of undergraduates in postsecondary computing programs. Award recipients demonstrate exceptional commitment to, and success in, creating long-lasting systemic change that improves the environment for all students. The award is given in memory of Dr. Cohoon to honor her outstanding research and advocacy work to broaden and enrich participation in computing.
Dr. Biggers, who earned her Ph.D. in Business Management and Higher Ed Administration from the University of Miami, led diversity and equity efforts at two universities during her career. At Georgia Tech College of Computing, she focused on recruitment, community development, and retention for women and other underrepresented students in computing, including serving as the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Community from 2002 – 2006. While at Georgia Tech, she became involved in Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) grant work with STARS Computing Corps, serving as principal investigator (PI) and program manager for the Alliance for the Advancement of African American Researchers in Computing (A4RC); as co-PI on Georgia Computes!; and as co-PI on Threads, which focused on curriculum development for undergraduate computer science majors. Dr. Bigger also began working with NCWIT at this time, co-chairing the NCWIT Academic Alliance (now Higher Ed Alliance) for five years. In her time at Indiana University Bloomington, she served as the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Education in the School of Informatics and Computing from 2008 – 2015, and in 2013 she co-founded the school’s Center of Excellence for Women & Technology. As the Center’s Executive Director, she implemented a comprehensive approach to systemic change by cultivating alliance groups for faculty, staff, students, and alumnae. Dr. Biggers retired from her role at Indiana University Bloomington in 2023, but her initiatives focused on systemic change and inclusivity will continue to transform computing for years to come.
“We’re very pleased to recognize Dr. Goldsmith and Dr. Biggers for their committed focus on broadening participation in computing,” said NCWIT Executive Director Terry Hogan. “Their visionary and inclusive leadership efforts are both inspirational and invaluable to the entire NCWIT community.”
About the NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance:
The NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance comprises more than 650 member organizations, with more than 2,600 individuals representing them. Members receive an exclusive invitation to the annual NCWIT Summit, guidance in applying research-based strategies for creating inclusion, and opportunities to work with faculty, staff, administrators, department heads, and other mentors nationwide to create lasting impact.
About NCWIT:
NCWIT widens inclusion in the technology ecosystem through innovative programs and research. This thriving community of more than 1,600 change leader organizations spanning K-12, Higher Education, and Industry works to expand access to critical knowledge and opportunities. NCWIT helps organizations remain globally competitive in science and technology by creating environments where all students and employees thrive.Learn more at www.ncwit.org.
