The future of BGSU’s School of Engineering and Technology – BG Independent News

David Dupont

BG Independent News

BGSU trustees approve creation of engineering college within the College of Technical, Architectural and Applied Engineering

The trustees also approved $4 million in new home design services for engineering and other technical projects.

The Faculty will be restructured into three faculties – the existing Faculty of Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering Technology and Faculty of Aviation.

As part of the reconfiguration, three engineering technology programs will be converted into engineering programs.

College dean Jenny Gallimore said that while the technology relies heavily on applied practical training, the move to engineering will add more theory and higher mathematics.

Some technical courses, including Visual Communication Technologies, will remain in a department in the Faculty of Engineering. The Master of Industrial Design and Quality Systems courses will also be housed in the department.

Jennie Gallimore, Dean of BGSU’s College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering, talks with BGSU Board Secretary Patrick Pauken during the June commitment to expand the Falcon Flight Center.

Gallimore said the creation of the School of Engineering builds products in areas that BGSU has not previously offered. The first engineering project, Systems Engineering, was created in 2020.

She said there was a high demand for engineers in the region, especially in advanced manufacturing.

The creation of the Aviation Academy will increase the profile of the program and allow it to expand into other aviation fields. BGSU now offers two aviation degrees – Aviation Management and Operations and Flight Technical Operations

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

The cost of reconfiguration is estimated at $9,000.

The trustees also approved the continuation of the design of the new engineering and aviation classroom components.

The original plan was to renovate the college’s current home, but the university’s chief financial officer Sheri Stoll said further inspection of the 1971 building indicated it needed to be replaced.

“We’ve surpassed it,” Gallimore said.

The university has $16 million in state capital funds on hand for the project. $4 million in design services will result. The work will begin immediately and a tender will be launched next spring. The new building is scheduled for completion in summer 2025.

It will build an adjacent car park, so the current facility will continue to be used. The existing structure will eventually be razed to create a car park.

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 Kokosing Hall, the former Park Avenue warehouse that is home to the School of the Built Environment, is now proceeding rapidly after being delayed by supply chain issues. The $10.4 million project is scheduled to be ready for occupancy by January.

The trustees also approved $1.6 million to pay for preliminary planning for the next campus master plan.

Completion of the first master plan marks the dedication of Homecoming Weekend with Alumni Gateway.

Now, the university is developing a new 10-year plan.

Stoll said she expects the yet-to-be-determined projects to cost as much as $200 million. The plan will involve some new construction and some demolition, she said.

Other approved construction projects are:

  • $621,500 has been allocated from the Deferred Maintenance Reserve to fund design services to plan and estimate construction services for the Slater Ice Arena renovation. According to information provided to the trustees, the project is expected to include upgrades to existing building systems, life safety, accessibility and daily functionality; locker room upgrades and restroom renovations; and construction of a new mezzanine at the southern end of the main ice rink , including private suites, concession areas and club rooms; additional spectator seating; added a 1,000-square-foot lobby at the west main entrance; refurbished main entrance provides better opportunities for trophy presentations.
  • $2.5 million to restore the Library Tunnel, a utility pipe that runs in an alley between the Jerome Library and the Fine Arts Center. The tunnel, built in 1965, is deteriorating. It contains the main electricity supply, steam, condensate and domestic water for the Jerome Library, Wolf Center, Moore Music and Arts Center, and Recreation Center. The work included the replacement of the rapidly deteriorating tunnel roof, pipe supports, interior lighting and tunnel wall repair. The project will be planned for three years.



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