NW Valley Times

The split of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University has brought about a wave of enthusiasm and innovation among its deans and faculty members. Dr. Mark Wooden, the dean of the College of Natural Sciences, expressed his excitement about the restructuring, stating, "This is where my passion is." He sees the split as an opportunity to offer more diverse curriculum and enhance job prospects for students.

The decision to divide the College of Science, Engineering and Technology into two separate colleges, the College of Engineering and Technology and the College of Natural Sciences, was driven by the university's commitment to meeting industry demands and providing students with tailored educational pathways. Provost Dr. Randy Gibb emphasized the importance of adapting to the needs of the economy, stating, "It’s a better opportunity for students to have hiring pathways and for us to be more intentional with engineering and technology."

The creation of two distinct colleges has been welcomed by industry experts as well. Matt Doretti, an IBM veteran and GCU advisory board member, highlighted that the split allows for a more responsive alignment with industry needs, leading to a more tailored approach to education and vocational readiness in each field.

Paul Lambertson, the dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, is enthusiastic about the future of the new college. He plans to introduce new academic programs, including degrees in civil, aerospace, and systems engineering. Lambertson views his role as a calling, stating, "There is going to be no lack of energy, no lack of passion from me."

Dr. Wooden of the College of Natural Sciences is also focused on growth and innovation within his college. He highlighted the launch of programs preparing students for various graduate schools and emphasized the importance of creative solutions in science education.

The split of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University reflects a strategic shift towards a more specialized and industry-aligned STEM focus. With a renewed emphasis on innovation, tailored education, and job readiness, the university is poised to equip students with the skills needed to excel in the evolving landscape of science and technology.