The Renewable Energy Student Association (RESA) selected this semester's leadership team on Feb. 11 after the organization's status with the office of Student Life was in jeopardy earlier this school year.
The student-run organization, which was established in 2008, has been in "pending" status since fall 2009.
In order for the green-focused organization, which includes over 50 members – a mixture of students, faculty members, and industry professionals – to become an official campus organization, at least three leadership officers must attend the Student Life department's Nuts and Bolts workshop on Feb. 18.
Becoming an official organization on campus is just the first step in RESA's transitional stage, according to Jason Shaw, the newly named co-chair of RESA.
"We're trying to help RESA become a viable organization, with members who are enthusiastic and ready to get involved," said Shaw.
This spring, Shaw said the organization plans to host a number of events, network with industry professionals, and collaborate with other organizations who share a common interest.
"For our members, we're going to bring in real people from the industry so they'll get to meet them, speak with them, and maybe talk about future job opportunities," Shaw said. "We're also trying to broaden our scope and our involvement in other areas, such as electric vehicles, energy efficient buildings, and green business practices. If we just focus on solar and wind, that's limited."
This month, RESA will attend an event featuring Doyle Beneby, CPS Energy CEO of San Antonio's municipal utility that is organized by Solar Austin, a local non-profit that focuses on renewable energy. Beneby will discuss topics such as solar energy and green power at the event.
According to Shaw, Solar Austin is under the natural chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), a national solar energy organization that RESA will become connected with in May.
"ASES isn't just focused on technology itself, but supporting energy efficiency, electric cars, things like that. Those are good reasons become part of the organization, because it will give the opportunity to get training in different areas of technology," said Shaw.
Training, to Shaw, is a key aspect that RESA will focus on.
"What areas have job growth in Texas? The health industry, the IT industry, and renewable energy. I want to honor and support training in all three areas, but my main focus is mainly on renewable energy. If we focus on training and education in that area, job opportunities will come."
In April, RESA will hold an election to choose new officers for the summer and fall semesters
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Jason Shaw
RESA Co-Chair