October 10, 2024

Mizzou Engineering and Information Technology received funding for a new state-of-the-art Center of Excellence through the state’s MoExcels Workforce Initiative.

At Mizzou Engineering, we develop new educational tools and resources to help our students to excel in the workforce. Recently, the Department of Engineering and Information Technology received a $3.46 million grant from the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development to establish the new Center of Excellence for Engineering and Information Technology (CEEIT).

Hani Salim, chair of engineering and information technology (EIT), is leading the project. He says that the proposed new center will address recent gaps in the state’s labor supply and demand.

“The significance of engineering and information technology has grown exponentially in recent years, as more industries rely on advanced technology to manage complex systems,” Salim said. “CEEIT will facilitate the expansion of our B.S. in information technology program and support our new B.S. degree in engineering technology by providing students with a strong foundation in these disciplines along with the practical hands-on experience they need to succeed in the workforce.”

The funding comes from the MoExcels Workforce Initiative, which facilitates the development and expansion of training programs as well as initiatives to increase educational attainment.

With this support, the CEEIT will help address workforce needs by preparing students for manufacturing engineering and information technology roles. By creating new pathways for Missourians to gain an engineering education, the center will also open new doors to non-traditional and transfer students to further their careers in high-skill occupations.

“We know that people are looking for more applied hands-on engineering education, and the Missouri Method is all about hands-on learning experiences,” Salim said. “Programs like this can be a more accessible pathway to the skilled technical workforce for veterans, non-traditional adult students, community college students and adults seeking to change professions.”

The Center of Excellence for Engineering and Information Technology is scheduled to open in fall 2025. The EIT department is also currently undergoing lab renovations to ensure students have access to leading-edge equipment on campus.

“Mizzou has technology that visiting students and families say is what drew them to the College, such as the CAVE and programmable autonomous Spot robots,” Salim said. “The Spots are already a great teaching tool for information technology students. We’re excited to expand the opportunities available for engineering technology students and make Mizzou a leader in these growing fields across the state.”

We’re persistent in providing students with hands-on learning experiences in rapidly growing fields. Join us. Choose Mizzou Engineering!