Murray State University has introduced the School of Engineering — a renaming of the former Institute of Engineering within the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology — as part of a continued effort to support and grow engineering educational opportunities at Murray State.
Following a successful vote from the University Board of Regents on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, the newly-named School of Engineering offers a variety of experiential learning-based academic programs, including an engineering physics program with tracks in mechanical, electrical and aerospace engineering, which are EAC/ABET accredited. In addition to engineering physics and several engineering technology programs, the School offers a Bachelor of Science in civil and sustainability engineering.
Additionally, the School offers programs in construction management and architectural design, physics and cybersecurity and network management — Murray State’s program of distinction that was recently accredited by the National Security Agency.
These programs have seen significant success and growth over the past several years, from an increasing overall School population to graduate job placement and graduate school admission. The former institute has sponsored many recruiting and outreach events that bring more than 2,000 students to campus each year. This includes the popular Engineering Day, a yearly competition that welcomes high school students across the region to participate in engineering, technology design and math-centered challenges under the direction of Murray State faculty and staff. This past March, more than 400 students across 12 high schools visited the University for Engineering Day 2020.
The School will continue to be housed in both the new Engineering and Physics Building and the Industry and Technology Center. The 81,000-square-foot Engineering and Physics Building first opened to students, faculty and staff in August 2017. The building includes modern classrooms and conference rooms along with essential facilities, including a high bay engineering systems laboratory, a rapid prototyping center and various engineering and physics laboratories. Additionally, the Gary W. Boggess Science Resource Center provides students with computer labs, presentation studios, interview rooms and instructional media support areas. The new building complements the existing Industry and Technology Center, where both facilities provide state-of-the-art, cutting edge laboratories for MSU students.
The School of Engineering continues to develop partnerships with area businesses, including its management of six advisory boards with more than 60 corporate partners.
Students in the School of Engineering continue to gain real-world experience as they earn their degree at Murray State, mentored by nationally-recognized faculty and staff. This spring, the School 3D-printed hundreds of face shield apparatuses for area healthcare providers. School of Engineering students and graduates have earned opportunities to intern and work for major companies in the engineering and technology fields, including Amazon, Boeing, Toyota, GE and Microsoft.
“Establishing a School of Engineering is a very exciting time for Murray State University,” said School of Engineering Chair Dr. Danny Claiborne. “While Murray State has been involved in engineering and engineering technology for over 50 years, it is an opportunity to be recognized as a strong and influential engineering entity. Becoming a School of Engineering establishes a prestigious and influential organizational structure offering educational opportunities in a variety of engineering and engineering technology programs for the region.
“The School of Engineering will continue to respond to corporate needs and graduate school demands as we place engineering as a top priority in response to statewide initiatives. We are grateful to the University for recognizing the involvement that the School of Engineering has had on economic development and engineering education, and for providing strong engineering pathways for students throughout the region.”
“The Institute of Engineering is the largest, fastest-growing unit within the Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology,” said Dean Dr. Claire Fuller. “Their graduation and job placement rates are outstanding. Changing the name to the School of Engineering better reflects their mission of teaching excellence as well as their focus on industry and community relationships and scholarly achievements.”
For more information about the School of Engineering, programs and educational opportunities, visit murraystate.edu/engineering.