Dr. Sandra DeLoatch, Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at Norfolk State University, was recently recognized in our paper for being honored with the Ivory Dome Award by the Information Technology Senior Management Forum for her work on behalf of African-American college students.

The award goes to recognize individuals with a dedication to the education and advancement of IT students. During her time at NSU, DeLoatch has worked hard to ensure black students are encouraged to enter the field of information technology.

On Tuesday, we received a press release that DeLoatch has received yet another award.

The Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast is honoring her with the Dorothy Barber Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award is named after former Council president Dorothy Barber, who led A Place for Girls capital campaign in the ‘90s. It honors a woman who has achieved great success in her personal and professional life, contributed to her community and to the Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast and is a role model and mentor to other Girl Scouts.

Dr. DeLoatch, a lifetime Girl Scout, has introduced girls to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and works to create inclusive learning environments for minorities and women in science.

As a pioneer in her field at NSU, the Girl Scouts see DeLoatch as the perfect example of a woman leading the way in those areas.

The Girl Scouts’ press released stated that DeLoatch has been an integral piece of the Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast’s efforts to offer girls exciting learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

Most recently she has helped make possible a unique program for girls in Norfolk middle schools called STEM! It’s a Girl Thing! Through this program, select girls work with adult mentors from Norfolk State University and take educational field trips with other girls. As a Girl Scout, she has been awarded the Woman of Distinction Award and the Thanks Badge.

As a reporter, I had the choice to write this story as a an article, in which I could write what the most recent award she won and rehash the majority of our previous article about her. Not that the award doesn’t merit a front-page position, but doing so would require a sterile approach.

It was my desire to tell you what I wouldn’t be able to put in an article, considering I cannot quote myself.

To see the achievements of a woman like Dr. DeLoatch is encouraging, but to see her giving back to her community and using her position and advancement to give back is truly a blessing. It is my firm belief that no matter how high we climb we should never forget where each step in ladder came from.

Dr. DeLoatch is truly a good steward of what has been entrusted to her, and she is not only providing opportunities for her students and girls. She is giving them a great role model.