Five new concentrations and a brand-new building are on the way for the WCU College of Engineering and Technology thanks to a near-$100 million state grant. The grant will support construction costs, buying of equipment and hiring of new faculty.
“The idea is that we can provide a high-quality, accredited engineering program where students can come here rather than driving to another institution farther away,” said Randy Collins, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology. “Businesses everywhere in North Carolina are clamoring for engineers. And frankly, we just aren’t producing enough of them.”
The new building will increase the capacity of the college and offer new programs to draw more students. Existing facilities in the Belk building will be reconfigured to support the latest programs.
The expansion will establish five new engineering concentrations: civil, industrial, computer, robotics and automation, and electric power and clean energy. The expansion will educate students on changing technology in hopes of adapting to the ever-evolving industry of engineering.
“Engineers thrive on continuous improvement, and this project embodies that principle. It’s exactly the step we need to strengthen WCU’s engineering program,” said junior Cloey Stewart.
“I’m thrilled that WCU is not only expanding its facilities but also its program offerings,” she said. “We can offer more disciplines, helping students feel like they have a range of options to choose the engineering path that best suits them.”
WCU is the only accredited engineering school in North Carolina west of Interstate 77. Prospective engineering students who can’t find the right program at WCU often leave the area in search of better opportunities.
Despite being one of five UNC engineering schools, WCU produces only 4% of North Carolina engineering graduates. However, as Collins noted, the smaller program offers a unique experience to engineering students that may not be seen at larger, research-based universities.
“At the undergraduate level, our programs are every bit comparable to these other R-1 schools,” Collins said. “Because we’re not predominantly research-driven, we’re able to offer a hands-on, smaller program where students are taught by faculty and can interact with faculty.”
Collins hopes the new disciplines and increased capacity will draw more students to the program. Ideally, these students will stay in the area and use their skills to give back to the community.
Stewart is vice-president of WCU Society of Manufacturing Engineers. She initially wanted to become a civil engineer. She said it was hard to find a school that offered a high-quality engineering program while taking advantage of in-state tuition.
“Since WCU didn’t offer [civil], I chose engineering technology instead. I really enjoy ET, but it would have been great if WCU had offered civil,” Stewart said.
Specific programs are often a make-or-break decision for prospective engineering students. Stewart chose to stay with WCU, though many students look for options elsewhere.
Stewart will graduate before the full benefits of the expansion are realized, though she’s thankful for the grant and expects it to make a significant impact on future students.
“They won’t feel like WCU lacks the variety of engineering disciplines they’re interested in,” she said. “With more space, modern equipment, and stronger industry connections, students will have the tools they need to succeed. It’s exciting to know these enhancements will shape the experience of future generations.”
Collins says the new programs and updates to existing programs will keep WCU engineering relevant in a constantly changing industry.
“Growth enables us to do things that we could not do before. A good example is with civil engineering,” Collins said, “Especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene – there’s a huge demand for civil engineers.”
Plans for the new building have not yet been completed, but the location is set. The building will occupy the space that is currently Lot #21, near the tennis courts. Collins said plans should be complete by Fall 2025. He hopes to break ground by Fall 2026 and be fully operational by Fall 2028.
