Ingenuity Frontier - Engineering At Work in Northwest Minnesota, Center of Excellence

On October 19, 2005, Bemidji State University was one of four Minnesota Universities selected by the Minnesota State College and Universities system to receive a prestigious Center of Excellence designation.

360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence, a MnSCU Center of Excellence, is a partnership of Bemidji State University, Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples, Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks, Pine Technical College in Pine City, Saint Paul College, St. Cloud Technical College and Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

The Center will address the serious shortages of highly skilled manufacturing workers now facing many Minnesota industries. By developing strong ties with K-12 education, the Center will help students develop strong math and science skills and engage their creativity in manufacturing through “hands-on” learning activities and summer camps. Applied research activities will offer opportunities for students and faculty at the university and colleges to design and employ best practices to stay ahead of the competition.

Many new and improved engineering-related degree programs that address the particular needs of northwest Minnesota are under development through the Center for Manufacturing and Applied Engineering. One goal is to have a nationally accredited BS degree in Engineering Technology designed in response to industry partners offered at Bemidji State University. The program will focus on the application of high technology to problem solving in the manufacturing field.

Another goal is to offer an online degree program in Applied Engineering. The online degree program will utilize sophisticated computer technologies. The program has been designed to collaborate with regional two-year colleges so that students can transfer in both A.S. and A.A.S. degrees.

Goals of the COE:
* To avoid duplication of programs and create a seamless process that allows students to progress from credited certificate programs through to a four-year degree.
* To support the highest levels of technology in education and industry.
* To support, encourage, and facilitate engineering technologies in K-12 education.

The result will be a labor pool of talented and well-skilled employees, development of innovative processes and enhanced ability of Minnesota manufacturers to be highly competitive in the global economy.