YPSILANTI – Starting this fall, Eastern Michigan University will showcase its strong commitment to training the engineers of the future as it launches the newly named College of Engineering and Technology.
The name change to the former College of Technology recognizes the addition of Eastern’s newly inaugurated engineering programs, and reflects the dramatic growth and evolution of the College of Technology since it was established in 1980.
The centerpiece of that growth is the addition of two new undergraduate engineering programs – Mechanical Engineering (Fall 2017) and Electrical & Computer Engineering (Fall 2018) – which marked the first engineering programs for the University.
The demand among Michigan employers for more engineers in Michigan is significant. It is estimated our state’s public universities meet only 40 percent of that demand.
The name change, approved by the Board of Regents at its regular meeting Thursday, June 13, also coincides with a $40 million state-of-the-art renovation to Sill Hall, the current home of the College of Engineering and Technology.
President James Smith said, “This name change points to the University’s strategic and timely emphasis on aligning our academic resources with high growth job areas in the state of Michigan and beyond. The College of Engineering and Technology is focused on a great future, from both an academic and facility standpoint, that will prepare students for fulfilling and highly productive careers in engineering and a wide variety of other disciplines.”
In addition to engineering, the college offers a wide variety of distinct programs and areas of study in high-demand career fields. Those include artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, aviation, cyber security and information assurance, construction management, drone technology, hotel and restaurant management, interior design, military science and simulation, animation and gaming.
“These are extremely exciting times at the College of Engineering and Technology,” said Mohamad Qatu, dean of the college. “Our distinguished faculty and administration view the name change as an opportunity to recruit students and faculty, to build on existing collaborations with national and international partners, and expand research and funding opportunities, with the ultimate goal of further raising the profile of our graduates and the college.”
Built in 1965, Sill Hall has not received any significant improvements or renovation since its construction. The current revitalization and expansion reflects a major renovation of the 92,635 gross square foot structure, including modernizing classrooms and labs, lecture halls, student commons areas and faculty offices. The renovation will create flexible use spaces for both research and instruction, along with replacing architectural, structure, mechanical and electrical systems.
The self-funded project also includes an expansion of 16,000 gross square feet to support lab space for the engineering programs.
In addition to Sill Hall enhancements, Eastern has designated the renovation of Jones Hall as Phase II of the college’s plan for overall growth and expansion in the programs listed previously. The project was submitted this spring as the University’s top project request for state capital outlay cost participation for fiscal year 2020. A decision is pending. Jones Hall, which is adjacent to Sill Hall, is currently closed – it was previously used as University housing.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.