Western Carolina University (WCU) has been granted funds for a new engineering facility and the expansion of its engineering program by the North Carolina General Assembly, as part of the recently approved 2023-2025 biennial state budget. Earlier this year, WCU identified the expansion of its engineering programs as a top priority, a move that was supported by the University of North Carolina System.
The funding comes at a critical juncture when the need for skilled engineers is on the rise, both from students seeking to enter the field and industries in need of such talent. “This funding allows WCU to respond to the rapidly increasing demand for engineers, providing a crucial boost to our programs,” said Randy Collins, Dean of WCU’s College of Engineering and Technology.
The funds will be used to replace the current engineering building at WCU. The total amount earmarked for this project is $95.3 million, with $2 million allocated in the fiscal year 2024-25 for advance planning. Furthermore, the budget also includes provisions to expand WCU’s College of Engineering and Technology programming to support robotics, energy, controls, and automation concentrations. For this purpose, $3.5 million recurring funds have been allocated starting from the fiscal year 2023-2024.
WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown expressed her gratitude to the legislators who supported WCU’s cause during the budget process. “This funding will enable WCU to address the pressing needs of the regional labor market and fulfill its potential in serving Western North Carolina,” she said.
The new facility and funding will facilitate program expansion and laboratory enhancement in areas of high demand, allowing WCU to adapt to emerging technologies and industry requirements. This is particularly significant in areas related to electronics, computers, programming languages, and coding.
Dean Collins emphasized WCU’s role as a driving force for technological growth and investment in the region. “We are committed to educating the next generation of engineering and technology professionals to meet industry needs. Our faculty and staff collaborate closely with students to address industry challenges through partnerships, applied research, and design projects,” he said.
WCU stands as the only university west of I-77 in North Carolina with an engineering college. The funding received will drastically alter the course of WCU engineering, providing the much-needed infrastructure and resources for a 21st-century engineering education.
Apart from the engineering program, WCU also received funding for other institutional priorities such as athletics and salary increases for faculty and staff to counter inflation and market pressures. WCU was recognized as one of the UNC System institutions that contribute economically to the university and the service region.
The budget also estimated that WCU’s Division of Athletics would receive $1,164,615 in the 2024-2025 fiscal year from anticipated receipts from Sports Wagering/Horse Racing Wagering. WCU faculty and staff are expected to see a salary increase of 7% across the biennial budget, with 4% allocated for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and 3% for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
“We are extremely thankful to the NC General Assembly for recognizing our legislative priorities in the 2023-25 biennial budget,” Brown said. “The salary increases will help offset inflationary pressures and reflect the hard work our employees put in on behalf of our students.
