LIMA__Dr. Jane Wood, Bluffton University president, and Dr. Margaret Young, interim dean and director at The Ohio State University at Lima, signed a partnership agreement today at the Ohio State Lima Engineering Education and Manufacturing Center (EEMC). The partnership establishes a new pathway for incoming Bluffton students to study engineering using the resources of both universities. 

Participating students will earn dual degrees from both Bluffton University and Ohio State and will graduate from both universities with degrees focused on engineering.

“Bluffton University is excited to join in partnership with The Ohio State University Lima campus to offer more students the opportunity to study engineering,” said Dr. Wood. “Beginning in the fall of 2024, Bluffton University students will be able to live four years on Bluffton’s campus and complete a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree in Lima. Collaboration amongst higher education institutions is essential and increases opportunities for future employment needs in the state of Ohio.”

Students will take approximately half of their classes at each location and will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Engineering Science from Bluffton University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from Ohio State. They’ll also be able to fully participate in Bluffton’s campus community and participate in athletics and student clubs/organizations while earning their degrees.

“We are pleased to join in a new partnership with Bluffton University,” said Dr. Young. “Collaborating as a public and private university, to better meet local workforce needs, supports our entire region. It is always exciting to create innovative pathways to student success.”

Students will follow a strict curriculum which will allow them to graduate and complete both degrees in just four years. Enrollment will start with incoming first-year students in fall 2024.

Photo: Dr. Jane Wood, Bluffton University president, and Dr. Margaret Young, interim dean and director at The Ohio State University at Lima, signed a partnership agreement supporting students studying engineering.