AEP Foundation presents WVSU grant for chemical engineering program

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. — Monday marked the first day of the fall semester at West Virginia State University, as well as the start of the school’s chemical engineering program.

American Electric Power Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Appalachian Power’s parent company, is helping the university with its new education pathway; corporate representatives presented university officials with a $250,000 grant for materials needed in the school’s new chemical engineering laboratories.

West Virginia State University President Anthony Jenkins said this is another chapter in the relationship between the institution and the utility.

“When I started thinking about the need for an engineering program and some additional funding to help get that off the ground, AEP was on top of that list. In fact, they were the number one company I was thinking about,” he said. “They saw the importance, the need and the fit for a chemical engineering program, and they jumped on board.”

Appalachian Power President and COO Chris Beam, left, and West Virginia State University President Anthony Jenkins.

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Higher Learning Commission approved the four-year bachelor’s degree program in 2017. The grant will go toward equipment to be used in coursework as well as student and faculty research.

Appalachian Power President and COO Chris Beam said engineering is at the core of the company.

“If you were to look at any of our plants, that whole facility has a lot of chemical processes in the facility for environmental purposes, and we have chemical engineering needs for those types of processes,” he said.

According to the West Virginia Department of Commerce, around 140 chemical companies provide 12,800 jobs in the state. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there will be an estimated 8 percent growth in general engineering jobs between 2016 and 2026, and a nearly 8 percent increase in chemical engineering jobs.

Beam pointed to the potential economic opportunities in West Virginia in the natural gas industry, including a proposed natural gas storage hub and the development of gas cracker plants.

“West Virginia’s got a really bright future, and we believe the economy is just taking off,” he added.

Jenkins said this is an issue WVSU should lead.

“We want to be at the forefront and making sure that West Virginia is meeting the needs of the state and the region and the nation in this growing area,” Jenkins said. “With our track record, our commitment to STEM, this falls right in line with that.”

Jenkins said the classrooms will be ready by the start of the 2019 fall semester, as the program’s first students complete their pre-requisite courses.





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