Designed as an integrated facility with existing Cornett Hall, the new building will allow for the consolidation and expansions of the critical functions of the College of Engineering, Technology and Management at the polytechnic university. The project builds on the first phase of the effort, which was approved for bonding authority in the Legislature in 2015.

“To me it is not just a new building,” said OIT President Nagi Naganathan. “A new building also demonstrates growth on campus. In addition, we are going to design this building so that it is not just a university building. It is going to be a great asset in which we can create a lot of value for the students and for the community at large.”

The project was in the governor’s budget as a priority on the higher education project list. The Gov. Kate Brown is expected to sign the higher education capital construction bill (Senate Bill 5505), which will include the bonding authority for OIT.

The combined projects of the CEET and Cornett Hall remodel will provide an expanded interdisciplinary space, including the departments of manufacturing and mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering and renewable Energy, computer systems engineering technology, geomatics, management, information technology, and the Oregon Renewable Energy Center.

A “maker space” will serve as an anchor for the building that brings students, faculty, and the business and industry community together in multidisciplinary spaces that ignite innovation and collaboration. The goal is to prepare students for professional practice.

“Construction of the building and cutting-edge opportunities for engineering and technology students will be powerful catalysts for economic development in Klamath Falls and throughout Oregon,” Naganathan said.

“It is not only about creating things, it’s about kind of questioning how does this creation create value for the society.”

Steve Sliwa, vice chair of Oregon Tech’s Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in Oregon Tech graduates to fuel target industries, including advanced manufacturing, large scale construction and transportation, renewable energy, high tech, and many others.

“The CEET will increase Oregon Tech’s capacity in Engineering and Technology programs by one-third, helping Oregon meet current and future companies workforce needs, and reducing the need for imported talent in the Pacific Northwest,” Sliwa said in a news release.

A construction schedule for the project has not been made available at this time, but Naganathan said that the university plans to raise $2 million to match $38 million in state bonds to pay for the project.

“It is bond-funded from the state that the state is so kind to approve for us,” Naganathan said. “I believe this new Center of Excellence and Engineering Technology is definitely a place people will see their investment will create transformation definitely in the lives of our students.”

To read this article and others on the Herald and News website, please refer to the following link:

OIT Nets $40M for Engineering Center (Herald and News)