|
 
SBC-Missouri President Cynthia Brinkley, BJ ’91, and
Truman the Tiger lead the M-I-Z-Z-O-U cheer at the Aug.
24 announcement of SBC’s $1 million donation to the
College of Engineering.
|
SBC
Gives Engineering $1 Million
Engineering students at the University of
Missouri-Columbia can pursue a future in information technology,
thanks in part to a $1 million donation from SBC.
The MU College
of Engineering’s new Information Technology (IT) studies
are aimed toward a degree program, adding a third option to the
two undergraduate computer science degrees now available. The
degree, which is in the approval process, will target students
interested in digital media, networks and wireless technology,
information systems and the business of computer systems administration,
maintenance and security.
MU officials expect as many as 100 students to enroll in the IT
program this school year. Students studying IT will have the opportunity
to take new courses developed for the program, such as computer
modeling and animation or an introduction to networking technology.
“Right now there’s a void on campus for this type
of comprehensive program,” said Jim Thompson, dean of the
College of Engineering. “Courses focusing on such areas
as computer security are designed to teach the technological skills
that SBC and other companies are seeking. We want to be responsive
to the needs of industry and generate talented graduates in the
state, working for Missouri companies.”
SBC’s gift will offset the costs of
computers and faculty. The announcement was made on Aug. 24 at
SBC’s Data Center in downtown St. Louis. SBC Mizzou alumni
included Cynthia Brinkley, president, SBC-Missouri. Also on hand
were then Chancellor Richard Wallace and state Rep. Chuck Graham.
“At SBC, we regard the expansion of technology education
as an opportunity for economic development,” Brinkley said.
“We are particularly pleased in Missouri to make this commitment
to high-tech jobs for the state and its businesses.”
Engineering senior Suzanne
White is one of eight students taking “Computer Systems
Administration,” a new course at MU funded by the
SBC donation. Vicki Hodder photo
|
Funding for the program will be paid over five years in $200,000
installments. New courses include: computer modeling, animation,
introduction to networking technology, and classes focusing on
database management, mobile computing, film special effects and
computer security. These courses will teach students the technological
skills that SBC and other companies are looking for as the industry
develops. The new program also will allow many current computer
science students in the BS and BA programs to expand their knowledge
and skills of IT work.
“When companies and universities work together, great things
can happen. As a long time Mizzou supporter, I am excited about
SBC’s commitment to moving Missouri into the 21st century
– especially in the availability of technology for our growing
work force,” said U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof. “This significant
grant will help the University draw Missouri students here for
an education, helping to keep them here in this state when they
graduate instead of sending our best and brightest to the east
and west coasts.”
Archives
| Comments | Home SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscribe
| Change Your
Address | Unsubscribe
Copyright © 2007 — Curators of the University of Missouri
DMCA and other copyright information.
All rights reserved.
An equal opportunity/ADA institution.
Published by the Mizzou Alumni Association
Questions? Comments? E-mail comments@mizzoualumni.org
Last Update:
November 15, 2007
|
