Future of BGSU Engineer's Technical College – BG Independent News

David Dupont

BG Independent News

The BGSU board on Friday approved the creation of an engineering department within the Faculty of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering

The Board of Trustees also approved $4 million in design services for new locations for engineering and other technology programs.

The university will be reorganized into three existing schools: the School of Built Environment, the School of Engineering Technology, and the School of Aviation.

As part of the restructuring, three engineering programs will be converted to engineering programs.

Technology relies heavily on applied, hands-on training, but the switch to engineering adds more theory and more advanced mathematics, said Jennie Gallimore, dean of the university.

Some technical programs, including Visual Communication Technology, are held in departments within the Faculty of Engineering. A master’s degree in industrial design and a quality systems program are also housed in this department.

According to Gallimore, the creation of the School of Engineering builds on an offering that BGSU has not previously offered. The first engineering program was Systems Engineering, created in 2020.

Engineers are in high demand in this sector, especially in advanced manufacturing, she said.

The creation of an aviation school will increase the visibility of its programs and allow for growth into other aviation disciplines. BGSU currently offers two degrees: Aviation Management and Operations and Flight Technology Operations.

Aviation is one of the fastest growing programs at the university.

The reconfiguration cost is estimated at $9,000.

The Trustees also approved the design of a new home for engineering and aeronautical classroom components to proceed.

Original plans were to renovate the university’s current home, but the university’s chief financial officer, Sherri Stoll, said after further investigation of the 1971 building, it needed to be replaced. said it turned out.

“We’ve gone beyond that,” said Gallimore.

The university has $16 million in state capital funding previously appropriated for its projects. That’s where his $4 million in design services comes from. Work will begin immediately and tenders will open next spring. The new office building is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2025.

We will continue to use the current facility to build an adjacent parking lot. The existing building will eventually be demolished to make way for a parking lot.

In addition to lab and classroom space, the new building will house an advanced manufacturing and logistics center, Gallimore said.

The renovation and expansion of Kokoshin Hall, the former Park Avenue Warehouse home to the School of Built Environment, is now well underway after delays due to supply chain issues. The $10.4 million project is expected to be ready for occupancy by January.

The Board of Trustees also approved the payment of $1.6 million for the initial planning of the upcoming Campus Master Plan.

Completion of the first master plan was marked by Alumni Gateway’s dedication homecoming weekend.

The university is now working towards a new ten-year plan.

Stoll said he expects the as yet unspecified project to cost as much as $200 million. Plans will include some new construction and some demolition, she said.

Other approved construction items are:

• $621,500 from the Deferred Maintenance Reserve to fund design services to plan and estimate construction services for the renovation of Slater Ice Arena. According to information provided to the trustee, the project will include upgrades to existing building systems, life safety, accessibility and daily functions. Changing room upgrades and restroom renovations. Created a new mezzanine at the south end of the main rink, including private suites, concession stands and club rooms. additional spectator seating; additional 1,000 sq ft foyer at west main entrance; A refurbished front entrance that improves your chances of displaying your trophies.
• $2.5 million to restore the Library Tunnel, a utility conduit that runs through an alleyway between the Jerome Library and the Fine Arts Center. The tunnel, built in 1965, is deteriorating. This includes the main power supply, steam, condensate, and domestic water for the Jerome Library, Wolfe Center, Moore Center for Music and Arts, and Rec Center. Work included repairs to rapidly deteriorating tunnel tops, pipe supports, interior lighting and tunnel walls. The project will run for his three years.