FEATURES
Centennial moments
(Page 2 of 2)
“New Home” Map (PDF, 140 KB).
In 1996, Dr. Nino Masnari, a professor of electrical engineering, was named dean of engineering. Masnari had been leading a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center from his office near Dow’s group in Research I, so he was no stranger to Centennial.
Masnari knew what Monteith knew, that the most recent engineering building on main campus had opened in the early 1960s, and he realized that simply renovating those buildings would not bring them to the standards of a top 21st-century engineering school. Like Monteith, he believed the entire College should move to modern buildings on Centennial. As dean, he made that move his top priority.
“I think all of us looked at Centennial Campus as the future for the College of Engineering,” Masnari said.
Before Monteith retired as chancellor in 1998, he had worked on a plan to not only move engineering to Centennial but also refurbish the vacated engineering buildings so other academic units, such as the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, could move in. Masnari became a strong advocate for the plan, tirelessly promoting it with deans of other colleges. The plan eventually won support, meaning NC State could stand united in its dealings with state government.
“You can’t be successful without being persistent,” Masnari said.
Today, Martin-Vega calls the building of that coalition “remarkable,” and a major reason for the growing national ranking and reputation that not only the College, but the entire University, enjoys today.
The next big break came in 2000. Faced with a growing university and community-college system, state leaders put forth a $3.1 billion bond referendum for new higher education facilities. Part of the proposal included funding for two new engineering buildings that would house four departments, as well as renovations to buildings on the main campus.
The measure passed overwhelmingly, and within two years construction was underway on Centennial. By 2005, both buildings had been completed.
The effects were immediate. Students and faculty could now work in cutting-edge laboratories with the latest equipment. Common areas provided space to relax, communicate and collaborate. Modern conference rooms were used by students and nearby companies.
“I don’t think you can project yourself as a leader in engineering education, research and technology unless you are leading in terms of the physical capabilities and the infrastructure that you have for your faculty and students,” Martin-Vega said.
Along the way, College alumni have helped. Kimley-Horn and Associates, Clancy & Theys, Shelco and other engineering and construction firms with College alumni in leadership positions have helped build the campus, and McKim & Creed, co-founded by another alumnus, has its Triangle office there.
In recent years, the good news has continued to roll in. The Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), the largest center of its kind in the nation, opened on the campus in 2007. In that same year, funding was approved for a third Engineering Building that is slated to open in summer of 2010. It will house the departments of biomedical engineering and mechanical and aerospace engineering and be the home to more than 100 faculty and staff and 2,000 students.
Earlier this year, construction began on a new home for the FREEDM Systems Center, a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center working on smart-grid technology to transform how the nation uses energy. Also planned is the James B. Hunt Jr. Library, which will stand near the engineering buildings as the intellectual and social heart of the campus.
As construction on Engineering Building III finishes next year, College leaders are already working toward securing construction money for the final two buildings. Then the College’s relocation plan—on a campus 25 years in the making—will have come together. College leaders are ready.
“While we appreciate all the support that has brought us to this point,
I’m as anxious as anybody, and more, to see this vision come together,” Martin-Vega
said. 