Empowering Stem Education in Alabama

Chet Nicklas, Black Belt Stem Institute Director, The University Of West Alabama

Chet Nicklas serves as the Director of the Black Belt STEM Institute at the University of West Alabama (UWA). With a strong background in science education, Nicklas has spent over a decade teaching biology, chemistry, and physical science, as well as coaching football and driving a school bus. His passion for education led him to earn a doctorate from UWA, ultimately preparing him for his current role.

Since joining the Black Belt STEM Institute in 2022, he has been dedicated to fostering STEM education in underserved communities, making a tangible impact on students and educators across the Black Belt region of Alabama.

Nicklas’ leadership at the Black Belt STEM Institute is significantly advancing STEM education in Alabama. His commitment to professional development, student engagement, and community partnerships is creating opportunities for educators and students in underrepresented communities. As the Institute continues to grow, collaboration with educators, businesses, and local leaders will be crucial in shaping the future of STEM education in the region.

Becoming the Director of the Black Belt STEM Institute

My career began as a biology and physical science teacher at a Title I school, where I taught for two years after earning my biology degree. After that, I moved to my alma mater, where I spent a decade teaching chemistry, AP chemistry, and physical science while also coaching football and driving a school bus. During that time, I completed my doctorate at UWA.

"The most immediate way to support us is through participation—attending our events, spreading awareness, and encouraging students and educators to get involved"

In 2022, I transitioned to my current role as Director of the Black Belt STEM Institute. The position was newly created to address the growing demand for STEM education in Alabama. Initially, I was hesitant, but accepting this role turned out to be the best decision I could have made—I absolutely love what I do.

Black Belt STEM Institute's Core Mission

Our mission is to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a passion for learning through inquiry-based and place-based education. We focus on providing high-quality professional development, organizing student activities, and fostering community and industry partnerships.

One of our key affiliations is with the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). As an AMSTI affiliate, we offer professional development for math and science teachers, allowing them to earn additional pay while gaining essential STEM skills. This is particularly important because our region faces challenges in recruiting and retaining high-quality STEM educators.

Promoting STEM Education in Underrepresented Communities

We have several impactful programs, including:

• High-Quality Professional Development (PD) for Teachers: Through our AMSTI affiliation, we provide STEM training that enhances educators’ teaching methodologies and content knowledge.

• STEM Camps & Campus Visits: We organize STEM camps and sponsor student visits to UWA’s campus, giving students—many of whom have never visited a college—the opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM activities. We partner with BetaBox (Skills on Wheels) and NSTA (National Science Teachers Association), where we collaborate on teacher professional development and District Partnerships.

• Robotics Training: We have helped establish over ten robotics teams by providing training and equipment. We also hire experts to conduct specialized training in VEX Robotics and Southeastern Center of Robotics Education (SCORE).

• Community Engagement: We participate in local STEM days, career fairs, and technology days, ensuring that students and educators have access to valuable STEM resources.

Additionally, we collaborate with organizations such as Teton Science Schools for place-based learning and the We Build It Better initiative through Airbus. We also partner with If I Had A Hammer to extend our reach. Their ready-to-use fraction builds and virtual workshops help us bring compelling math experiences directly into classrooms and community centers, inspiring both teachers and learners across the region.

Advice to Educators and Leaders

Building relationships is key. Progress in underrepresented communities starts with trust and connection. I strive to be the go-to person when schools need STEM support, whether it’s answering questions or attending local events. When educators and administrators know they can depend on you, they are more likely to engage with your programs. Visiting schools, forming personal connections, and showing up consistently have been the most effective ways to expand the Institute’s reach and impact.

The most immediate way to support us is through participation—attending our events, spreading awareness, and encouraging students and educators to get involved. Word-of-mouth plays a significant role in expanding our reach.

Looking ahead, we are seeking business partners to help expand our robotics efforts. Many smaller schools struggle to compete with larger schools in robotics programs due to a lack of resources. Additional funding, mentorship, and support from businesses could help bridge this gap, enabling us to provide more schools with the tools they need to succeed.

Robotics