College Station Welcomes a New Chapter in Engineering Education
College Station, TX – Exciting times are here as Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering marks a significant milestone! The 25 by 25 initiative has officially reached its ambitious goal of bringing in 25,000 engineers across various campuses by 2025, and they have exceeded the target with a total enrollment of 25,132 students as of fall 2023. This inspired move not only helps meet the growing demand for engineers but also strengthens the educational framework for many eager students.
Building a Better Future
Back in 2013, this flagship initiative was sparked by the understanding that there would be a looming shortage of skilled engineers in the future. Now, it has successfully increased the capacity of engineering programs, allowing more qualified students to be admitted without compromising the quality of education. Dr. Harry Hogan, the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, shared how the initiative was born out of necessity, saying, “We were receiving a lot of applications, but many qualified students weren’t getting in due to capacity issues.”
Commitment to Student Success
Reaching the goal represents Texas A&M’s commitment to its land-grant mission. The university is dedicated to ensuring that its engineering programs remain top-notch. Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating that it reflects a strong commitment to “keeping our university at the forefront of engineering education.”
Enrollment hasn’t just skyrocketed due to new students; nearly 50% of the growth comes from better retention rates within the College of Engineering. Programs and support services focused on student success have made a substantial difference.
Innovations in Teaching
The increase in student numbers naturally meant that the college needed more faculty support. Thus, they welcomed new faculty members and formed partnerships with the Math Learning Center and the Academic Success Center. Dr. Tanya Wickliff, an engineering professor, commented, “The increase in peer Teaching Assistants has significantly bolstered our resources.” The introduction of technology and new learning platforms has further enhanced the educational experience.
While class sizes may have increased, Dr. Wickliff has maintained a consistent personal teaching style. She focuses on making classes participatory, addressing real-world issues, and equipping students with essential skills like time management and study techniques.
Encouraging Community and Growth
Another promising aspect of this growth is how the Entry-to-a-Major process (ETAM) and other departmental capacity increases have helped bolster retention rates among engineering majors. Despite the larger student body, the demand for Aggie engineers continues to surge, with companies actively seeking Texas A&M graduates for full-time roles and internships.
According to Dr. Wickliff, “Aggie engineers are some of the best, which ensures that all of our graduates are grounded not just in theory but also in practical experience.” The diverse student body is equipped to tackle real-world problems, which is what industries are increasingly looking for.
Looking Ahead
With the 25 by 25 initiative completed, the College of Engineering is setting its sights on maintaining high enrollment numbers while simultaneously refining academic programs. A new dean, recently appointed, along with a strategic planning committee will begin their work in the coming months to outline the future.
There are aspirations to grow graduate programs, particularly master’s programs, to better prepare students for complex technical challenges. Dr. Hogan emphasized the need for further education: “We want our students to be equipped to tackle these challenges head-on.”
Staying Connected
Despite the large increase in enrollment, A&M’s engineering programs have been proactive about nurturing a sense of community among students. “We provide a surprising level of personal attention, and anyone willing to engage will find a sense of family here,” Dr. Hogan reassured.
The College of Engineering at Texas A&M is not just about numbers; it’s about weaving together a tight-knit community where students can thrive academically and personally. And with these remarkable developments, the future looks brighter than ever for aspiring engineers at Texas A&M.
