University Engineering Initiative Act

Overview

The University Engineering Initiative Act was created to increase the number of engineering graduates by almost 60% in the state of Kansas over a 10-year period.

The initiative directs the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce to work with the Kansas Board of Regents and K-State, KU, and WSU to develop a plan to target engineering education efforts to fuel economic growth and business success in Kansas.

This endeavor will infuse approximately 600 new engineers into the workforce after the 10-year period.

Matching

In fiscal year 2013–2023, the legislation will allot $3.5 million per year to the Kansas State University College of Engineering.

Our plans

Within 10 years, the Kansas State College of Engineering will add more than 160 new graduates to the graduation class. The student body will grow by at least 750 students. In turn, we will expand faculty by an additional 30 positions and increase our facilities by 80,000 square feet. The expansion of the student body and increase in faculty and staff will be implemented to expand our student pipeline.

Fundraising viewpoint

To support the breadth of the advancement of the college, we expect the following to occur:

• New scholarships will support an increase in awards of $1 million per year. To support this entirely from the endowment, approximately $21 million will need to be raised.
• Five new chairs ($2 million each) and five new professorships ($1 million each), for a total of $15 million, will be created.
• Gifting of $20 million for building space will be secured.

Possibility. We recognize our faculty and students have the talent and potential to transform possibilities into realities. We are committed to offering an educational environment ripe with possibilities and opportunities for our students.