Niswonger Campus Hosts Engineering Tech Open House Sept. 30
September 26, 2024
Niswonger Campus Hosts Engineering Tech Open House
The Walters State Engineering Technology Program will hold an open house from 6:30-8
p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Walters State Niswonger Campus. Instructors will demonstrate
equipment and discuss the in-demand skills students learn. Everyone is invited and
refreshments will be served.
Four engineering technology degrees are now offered at the campus: the A.A.S. in engineering
systems technology with concentrations in architectural design, mechanical design
and computer-aided design; and the A.A.S. in electrical engineering technology with
a concentration in electromechanical. The program is accredited by the Association
of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering.
“Engineering technology leads to a “hands-on” career focused on applications, implementations
and design,” Dr. Bob Dixon, professor and head of the engineering technology program,
said. “Engineering technology graduates leave with a broad range of knowledge.
Engineering Technology is a relatively new addition to the Niswonger Campus, although
Walters State has offered programs at campuses in Morristown and Sevierville for years.
The program has a 100% placement rate.
“These programs are usually completed in four semesters,” Dixon said. “Graduates are
able to find a good job with a good future. You can provide for a family with these
skills.”
Many manufacturing industries are always looking for employees with skills in the
areas of programmable logic control (PLC), electric systems control, robotics and
computer aided design, Dixon said. Manufacturing, though, isn’t the only place these
skills are needed. They are used at amusement parks, in logistics and in transportation.
“These degrees are good options for adult learners who want to make a career change,”
Dixon said.
Financial aid programs are available that may make the programs tuition-free for students.
Need-based programs like Pell grants are one option. Current high school students
may be eligible for Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Hope Lottery grants that pay tuition.
Adult learners may be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect. Some classes are available
for dual enrollment students currently in high school and those may be paid for through
the dual enrollment grant.
The program also participates in a state-wide apprenticeship program that can begin
in high school and continue with employment.
The development of the program at the Niswonger Campus has been guided by members
of an advisory board. These include educators and employers.
“Their assistance to the program has been invaluable,” Dixon said.