Beginning this fall, Eastern Kentucky University will become the 24th postsecondary institution in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering. The State Capitol Rotunda was the sight for the official announcement Tuesday. EKU President David McFaddin said all the methodology and experiential learning will be focused on a manufacturing sector.
“And so there are all the requisite requirements. So, you will be able to sit for a P at the end of this, just like you do for the other disciplines inside of engineering. It’s just that the focus on this curriculum-wise, student experience-wise will be focused on manufacturing exclusively,” said McFaddin.
McFaddin told those gathered it’s a very practical-based program and the effort is to make sure the curriculum helps address the needs in manufacturing
Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Board Chair John Mark Hack said there are some 4000 manufacturing facilities across the state. He added many face a significant workforce challenge.
“It’s going to take a comprehensive set of solutions, but workforce preparation is a critical part of that and I just applaud EKU for stepping up to address that issue,” said Hack.
Governor Beshear said this degree couldn’t come at a better time, because of the new companies locating in Kentucky.
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