A $100,000 donation from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky to Morehead State University is helping make MSU’s 21st Century Center for Manufacturing Systems a reality. The center is the first of its kind in the region and will allow students in the Applied Engineering and Technology Department access to hands-on learning opportunities with industry-leading technology.
The initiative tackles head-on the critical issue of workforce development in Kentucky and the nation. This new center will help prepare the next generation of highly skilled workers.
“Toyota is proud to support MSU in developing young people in the critical fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Rick Hesterberg, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, North America. “The auto industry faces a shortage of skilled workers coming out of college. It is these well-trained students we need to work with robotics and other cutting-edge technologies in our Georgetown plant and throughout the company.”
Dr. Ahmad Zargari, AET Department’s professor and chair is excited about the opportunities this facility will provide MSU students.
“The Center will enhance our potential to teach state of the art technologies, conduct applied research and aid technology transfer to industries that will ultimately attract more high-tech employers to the Eastern Kentucky region”.
AET faculty members are experts in their fields and stay current by conducting scholarly research and continually engaging with industry in our area. The department also offers opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects, internships and other experiential learning that will give students the knowledge and practical skills to pursue high-tech careers after graduation.
Last fall, the MSU Foundation and MSU’s Department of Applied Engineering and Technology accepted a challenge grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation of Louisville to develop a state-of-the-art 21st Century Center for Manufacturing Systems. Thanks to the James Graham Brown Foundation’s $497,000 matching grant and generous contributions from various donors, including the major gift from Toyota, this project will soon become reality.
“Morehead State University is committed to expanding and modernizing its programming and facilities to meet the needs of a changing economy and job market,” said Dr. Wayne Andrews, MSU president. “We sincerely appreciate the support of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky.”
Toyota’s donation was recognized during the Jan. 31 basketball game.
Additional information is available from the MSU Foundation at (606) 783-2033.
From Morehead State University