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Ralph D. Mills

About
STEM Hall of Fame profile picture for Ralph D. Mills inducted in 2008.

Dr. Ralph D. Mills is a distinguished leader in research, education, and industry collaboration. He served as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs at the California State University Chancellor’s Office, where he played a pivotal role in advancing research initiatives. As the founder of the California State University Institute, he helped coordinate the R&D assets of CSU academic institutions to support industry-driven entrepreneurial projects.

Ralph holds a Ph.D. in English and has dedicated his career to fostering innovation, education, and industry partnerships. In addition to his contributions to higher education, Ralph co-founded the United States Distance Learning Association and was named Chairman Emeritus in 2015. His impact on STEM education was recognized in 2008, when he was inducted into the REC Foundation’s STEM Hall of Fame for his role in expanding VEX robotics curriculum and competitions through the Small Manufacturers’ Institute (SMI), where he serves as Vice President.

Details

Wisdom: I came to understand that STEM education, beginning early, is essential for the preparation of many young people for purposeful and satisfying lives in the 21st century. A highly-skilled STEM workforce is essential to maintain and advance our economy and our civilization
Award: Volunteer of the Year
Year: 2008
Organization: Small Manufacturers Institute
Location: California, USA
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2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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Robot Shipping Option
Freeman is our shipping partner for the VEX Robotics World Championship. Teams choosing to ship should ensure that their robots arrive on or AFTER May 5, 2025 to the Kay…
Judges observe participants at VEX Robotics World Championship
Volunteer | VEX Robotics World Championship
WE NEED PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU TO POWER THE VEX ROBOTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Whether you participate solo or with a group of friends, family, or coworkers, you’ll make a huge…