Evolve – it’s what we do. From the day the college began in 1899 to today, our teaching and research have evolved to keep pace with an ever-changing world. We’ve hired faculty, constructed buildings, and branched into fields that did not exist just a decade ago. Now we’re excited to launch the next phase of our evolution with the formation of a college master plan.

The world has changed since many of the college’s buildings opened in the 1960s. Teaching, learning and research are increasingly cross-disciplinary, requiring bold new ideas and state-of-the-art space that fosters collaboration among departments, colleges and even universities. Research labs must adapt as quickly as the country’s economic opportunities change. Today’s world needs flexible space for entrepreneurs to test promising ideas and informal spaces where, over a cup of coffee, two researchers from opposite ends of campus can plant the seed for the next big idea.

With the assistance of the world-renowned architectural and planning firm Ballinger, the college will look closely at our existing buildings, study the needs of our students and faculty, and draw up plans for new and transformational facilities.

Our master plan will map just such a future: one that dreams big by coupling innovative learning, research and economic impact while recognizing that the needs of today will surely change tomorrow.

Continuous evolution must remain at our core. It’s what led the college to its position as a leading institution for learning, research and economic impact. And it’s what will keep the college shaping the world in which we live. Evolution is our future.

We welcome the Ballinger team to campus and together look forward to continuing the college’s evolution and success well into the 21st century.

Dean Raymond M. Wright, Ph.D., P.E.