The University of Oklahoma Gallogly College of Engineering proudly celebrates Brandon Abbott, director of the Engineering Summer Bridge Program and Dalton Brasington, director of Recruitment and Outreach, for being named recipients of the prestigious 2025 NEXT Under 40 Award, presented by Norman NEXT.
The NEXT Under 40 Award honors young professionals who are making a significant impact in their professions and the Norman community. Brasington and Abbott exemplify the spirit of service, leadership, and innovation that drive the Gallogly College of Engineering’s mission.
- Brandon Abbott serves as director of the Engineering Summer Bridge Program, an Engineering Broader Impacts initiative that supports students in both the Gallogly College of Engineering and the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy. Under Brandon’s leadership, OU’s hallmark transitionary program has grown to serve its largest cohort in 20 years while advancing the scope of its support initiatives. His leadership has integrated sociotechnical perspectives, early access to undergraduate research, and structured preparation for professional opportunities, ensuring students are positioned for success well beyond their first year. Through the Engineering Broader Impacts Program, Brandon continues to expand cross-college initiatives that advance transformative excellence and foster a strong foundation of academic preparedness, professional development, and community engagement for OU Engineering students.
- Dalton Brasington serves as the director of Outreach and Recruitment for the Gallogly College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. In this role, he leads the College’s recruitment strategy and pre-collegiate initiatives, which have been key drivers of OU Engineering’s record undergraduate growth in recent years. Dalton’s leadership has expanded engagement pathways across Oklahoma and beyond, reaching thousands of students each year and helping them see where they belong in the OU Engineering community. Dalton’s engagement with students does not stop when they come to campus, as he is consistently connected with students and student organizations across the College, helping really create the OU Engineering family.
Both leaders play vital roles in advancing access, opportunity, and excellence for engineering students at OU, and their recognition with this award underscores their professional achievements and dedication to making a difference.
Abbott and Brasington will be honored at the NEXT Under 40 Award Ceremony on October 16, 2025.
By Karen Kelly, OU Marketing and Communications
