Paul O. Biney, Ph.D., P.E.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Sept. 18, 2025) – Prairie View A&M University professor Dr. Paul O. Biney is retiring after a distinguished 40-year career dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and advancing mechanical engineering education. Adding to his legacy, Dr. Biney was recently named the recipient of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Outstanding Student Section Advisor Award, recognizing his more than 25 years of service as PVAMU’s student section advisor.
“I am truly honored to receive this award from ASME,” said Dr. Biney. “It reflects not just my efforts, but the hard work and enthusiasm of all the students involved in our section, with support from Dr. Jeffrey Streator, department head of Mechanical Engineering. Together, we have created an environment that fosters learning, collaboration, and innovation.”
“Dr. Biney’s commitment to mentoring and empowering the next generation of engineers has had a profound impact within the ASME community and here at Prairie View A&M University,” said Dean Pamela Obiomon. “His leadership has inspired countless students to thrive academically and professionally, while his efforts to revitalize the ASME Student Section reflect the University’s commitment to excellence in engineering education. This prestigious award recognizes not only his contributions as a professor and advisor, but also his lasting influence on the engineering community.”
The longest serving faculty advisor in the department’s history, Dr. Biney was nominated and presented with the award earlier this year at an awards reception hosted by the ASME Foundation, the philanthropic arm of ASME. According to the foundation, the award, established in 1990, honors faculty advisors who go above and beyond in supporting student chapters. It was renamed in 2014 as the Outstanding Student Section Advisor Award.
“The ASME Foundation welcomes these opportunities to recognize engineering excellence and collaborate with our student chapters, members, and like-minded companies and organizations to advance engineering and help address the STEM workforce gap,” said Stephanie Viola, executive director of the ASME Foundation and managing director of ASME Philanthropy, in a press release.
The national recognition is significant for Dr. Biney, being only the second in the organization’s history to honor an advisor from a Historically Black College and University. Founded in 1972, PVAMU’s ASME chapter has transformed into a vibrant community of more than 70 students who benefit from professional development opportunities, networking, research conferences, and scholarship access. Dr. Biney has been praised for fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and leadership development, ensuring that students thrive academically and professionally, even during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since Dr. Biney arrived on campus in 1984, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening the ASME student section and shaping its future. In addition to this most recent recognition, Dr. Biney previously received the Claud L. Wilson Award from the South Texas Section of ASME.
As he retires after four decades of service, Dr. Biney leaves behind a legacy of excellence in teaching, advising, and advancing engineering education at Prairie View A&M University. “Truly, this award is for all of us,” he said.
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-