St. Cloud State University announces The Minnesota Institute of Technology at St. Cloud State University (TMIT@SCSU) marking a significant expansion of interdisciplinary research and development of emerging technologies designed to solve problems and meet workforce demands.
The first of its kind in the State of Minnesota, TMIT@SCSU creates learning environments across campus with technology at the heart of the teaching and learning process. It is an intentional strategy to expand such opportunities to all students of the diverse community at St. Cloud State. Key to this Institute of distinction is industry, academic, and community partnerships. As a result of bringing faculty, students, and industry partners together, students have, for example, used 3D imagery to assist in a patient diagnosis, designed sensors to detect air quality levels in large facilities, scaled up algae production to reduce the carbon footprint of industries worldwide, examined production line equipment to increase productivity. The possibilities are endless as these research opportunities are expanding across all disciplines.
“Our core mission is to provide all students a high-quality, cutting-edge educational experience while meeting the ever-evolving workforce needs of Minnesota, said St. Cloud State University President Robbyn Wacker. “Our It’s Time vision paves the way for bold, new approaches to achieve this mission. TMIT@SCSU will do just that by blending our world-class education with workforce relevant curriculum and cultivating an innovative mindset for students, regardless of their major.”
The Institute advances the University’s It’s Time vision firmly establishing St. Cloud State’s leadership in the fields of engineering and applied sciences, holistic health and wellness, education and leadership. Projects and activities affiliated with TMIT@SCSU will empower students in all fields to apply their technical and critical thinking skills to projects with solutions that benefit organizations, an industry product, and the lives of people. This is one of the ways that the University’s teaching and learning strategies are intended to build the confidence of students, broaden skillsets, and demonstrate that their undergraduate and graduate work can make a difference.
TMIT@SCSU will continue to build on the University’s tradition of partnering with regional businesses to solve real world problems while at the same time maximizing student growth and career development.
“The Minnesota Institute of Technology at St. Cloud State University is the next step in the development of our academic distinction in areas related to technology,” said Provost Dan Gregory. “It is a recognition that technology is inherently embedded in a wide range of academic disciplines and integration of these disciplines is an essential component of technology innovation.”
TMIT@SCSU is an extension of the successful partnerships and ongoing research of the Integrated Science and Engineering Laboratory Facility (ISELF). ISELF opened in 2013 as a new kind of multi-disciplinary facility for collaboration, experiential learning and innovation. Since ISELF opened, the university has seen more than 6,000 St. Cloud State students from across campus engaged in projects with over 100 external partners. University faculty and students have applied for four patents, generated more than 130 publications and earned more than $8 million in external awards for applied research.
“TMIT@SCSU is not an absolute beginning. It is the conduit between our legacy and our vision. It will be the lens that will gather all of our numerous shining rays of excellence into a laser-focused beam of distinction,” said College of Science and Engineering Dean Adel Ali. “The Institute will facilitate intentional, consistent and systematic ways to prepare students for successful careers and citizenship. It will solidify our commitment to stewardship of place. For us, stewardship of place guides, informs and inspires everything we do. It is our ultimate value proposition.”
Upcoming TMIT@SCSU developments include aligning new programs and projects with members of an advisory council and further embedding experiential and applied learning opportunities across curricula. Additionally, champions of TMIT@SCSU will focus efforts to develop new partnerships for a robust portfolio of projects that bring together new combinations of disciplines to meet an industry or partner need.
