Benedictine College Receives National Science Foundation Grant

ATCHISON, KS (08/09/2010)(readMedia)-- The new Engineering Program at Benedictine College recently received a major boost from the National Science Foundation, a $250,000 grant to further enhance the program. The grant is one of only 120 awarded in the Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement Program out of nearly 1,400 proposals nationwide. The money will help enhance the growing program at Benedictine College, made possible through a partnership with the University of North Dakota (UND).

"We are excited to receive this grant and are ready to put the funds to use," said Dr. Darrin Muggli, director of the engineering program and author of the proposal. "The funds will be used to help develop our engineering laboratories and establish a high-tech, teleconferencing classroom. Students in all four of the major engineering disciplines will use the equipment purchased with this grant. "

Due to increasing enrollment and interest, Benedictine College expanded its Engineering Program last year, after a year of offering the Engineering Physics major. The college now provides students with the opportunity to pursue degrees in chemical, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering. Students in the expanded program will take all of their classes on the Benedictine campus, with the exception of two, two-week summer laboratory sessions at UND. About 80 percent of the coursework will be taught by Benedictine professors, with the remainder of the classes taught through distance learning with professors at UND. Students will obtain two degrees: a liberal arts degree from Benedictine College, which includes the complete core of liberal arts coursework, and an accredited engineering degree from UND.

"We are developing a high quality program that builds on our strengths in the sciences and mathematics and incorporates the complete core of liberal arts courses which make a Benedictine education special," said Dr. Doug Brothers, professor and chairman of the Benedictine College Department of Physics, Astronomy and Engineering. "I know employers are seeking engineers who are not only competent in engineering, but also have the communication and interpersonal skills that are the hallmark of a liberal arts education."

The faculty and administration of Benedictine College also believe the faith-based nature of the college, which helps students develop morally and ethically, is important in the business world today and is attractive to both students and employers. Benedictine College is one of only a handful of Catholic colleges in America to offer any kind of engineering program.

Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is proud to have been named one of the Top 20 Catholic colleges in the nation as well as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. It has a mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.

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