New Option to Help Students Build a More Sustainable World

Southeast Launches Sustainable Energy Systems Management Option

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 20, 2010 -- As the world faces global warming, air pollution, ecosystem destruction and economic instability, Southeast Missouri State University now offers a new sustainable energy systems management option for technology management majors.

This innovative option was approved by the University's Board of Regents in December and will be offered by the Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology in the School of Polytechnic Studies beginning with the fall 2010 semester. The program is supported by a $207,000 Southeast Missouri WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) grant. The new program aims to create a future workforce that will assist in moving Missouri toward a sustainable, green and energy independent economy.

The new option will be added to the existing bachelor of science in technology management degree to include energy efficiency and conservation, energy sustainability, renewable energy and carbon footprint management of industrial, commercial, light-commercial and residential energy systems and processes.

The option will provide students with theory in the classroom and hands-on experience in the laboratory on issues related to energy and sustainability and develop within them skills and aptitudes to better prepare them for life and employment in the modern society, said Dr. Ragu Athinarayanan, chair of the Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology.

He says the option will complement related programs being developed at Mineral Area College and Three Rivers Community College. Students completing a certificate or an associate of applied science degree can seamlessly matriculate to the bachelor of science in technology degree.

With a future economy based on renewable energy technologies, this option targets all aspects of energy systems as they relate to industrial, commercial and residential processes.

"The option will help develop a southeast Missouri workforce that understands and is educated about the values associated with energy efficiency and conservation, sustainability of systems and processes, waste reduction, and use of materials and technologies that are friendly to the environment," Athinarayanan said.

Sustainability and energy systems management reflects the reality of a changing world considering new and increased demand for employees with sustainability knowledge and background, Athinarayanan said.

Graduates of this program, he says, can expect to find employment in green economic sectors associated with energy efficiency, green manufacturing, green design and construction, facilities management and renewable energy generation. Athinarayanan says U.S. Department of Labor reports indicate employment projections and career opportunities associated with these sectors showing an increased demand.

"Our graduates will have an advantage when looking for a job with companies and organizations focused on resource preservation and social accountability," he said. "We want our students to be prepared for a changing world focused on balancing the production and consumption of energy and resources."

Athinarayanan says SEMO WIRED was one of only 39 WIRED regions nationwide chosen by the U.S. Department of Labor to accelerate transition to an economy that embraces innovation and technology. Energy sustainability and renewable energy is one of the five advanced high-tech sectors targeted by SEMO WIRED. Southeast's Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology was identified by WIRED as a higher education institution to provide leadership in development of baccalaureate degree programs to prepare a workforce with skills and aptitude in green and sustainable energy technology relevant to southeast Missouri's economy.