Engineering program expands with new building and leadership
Lee University’s engineering program is entering a new stage of expansion during the fall semester. The David and Mary Ellen Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science is soon to open. Dr. Blayne Carroll, professor of mathematics, has been appointed as the dean.
While interior work of the building continues, much of the exterior is finished. The university expects to receive a certificate of occupancy by Oct. 15. The state-of-the-art building will be dedicated during Celebration and Homecoming, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and continuing celebrations throughout the weekend.
The two-story building will include laboratory spaces on the first floor, with some rooms doubling as classrooms. The second floor will include classrooms, faculty offices and meeting spaces. The building will also have a student lounge and study areas as well as an outdoor balcony.
The establishment of a new building allows Lee’s engineering program to continue expanding. The university initially only offered engineering through partnerships with other colleges, allowing students to complete three years at Lee before finishing their degree at a partner institution.
In 2023, Lee began offering a full four-year engineering degree. Lee’s program takes a different approach than most, giving students a broad foundation in engineering rather than focusing on one specialty. Carroll believes that the broad approach can benefit students entering a workforce where different areas of engineering increasingly overlap.
“More and more engineering responsibilities are crossing lines,” Carroll said.
Carroll is stepping into the role of dean in his 21st year at Lee.
“He's a well-respected, thoughtful leader on campus, and he was the natural fit, from our perspective, to lead the Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science,” said President Dr. Phil Cook.
As the program develops, Carroll said Lee plans to allow student interest and the needs of local industries to help determine the direction and growth of the program.
“We just have to be prepared to … let it grow naturally according to the demand,” Carroll said.
As dean, Carroll plans to increase the visibility of the school through building relationships.
“I am here to look out for the best interests of this school,” Carroll said. “To build relationships with outside companies … to take to schools in the area, and to make our program well-known,” Carroll stated.
For Carroll, the goal is not to just expand the number of engineering students or facilities. He wants the engineering program to stand out as one that produces passionate, hard-working graduates.
“We’re going to be graduating engineers, but they’re going to be Lee engineers. They’re going to be that young man or young woman who is experienced and dedicated to this concept of service, meeting the needs that are there, whether you actually do what we call service or not,” Carroll stated.
The establishment of the David and Mary Ellen Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science is not just the creation of the building. The school allows Lee to expand its horizons and draw more people to receive a Christ-centered education.
Photo by Emma Sargent
