Update on UNI’s Applied Engineering Building renovation
Since last June, UNI’s Applied Engineering Building (AEB) (formerly known as the Industrial Technology Center) has been undergoing an extensive renovation that will have a positive impact on not only the campus community but the entire state of Iowa. The first phase of the renovation is set to be completed this fall, with classes starting in the new AEB in spring 2024. Phase II of the project will be completed a year later in fall 2024 and in use by students by spring 2025.
“The expansion and renovation of the Applied Engineering Building will provide workforce development opportunities for Iowans in a variety of high-demand careers, ranging from construction management to career and technical education and from metal casting to automation,” said John Fritch, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences. “The modernized building and equipment should attract more students to UNI allowing us to even better fill the needs of Iowa students and Iowa employers.”
These improvements, part of a $44.7 million renovation project, will update and expand the AEB to meet the needs of today’s students and prepare them for success in an Industry 4.0 workforce. The significant increase in square footage from about 64,000 square feet to about 109,000 square feet will allow for more hands-on learning and industry-standard equipment.
The AEB houses the Department of Applied Engineering & Technical Management, which enrolls nearly 500 students across seven program areas including construction management, automation engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, graphic technology, manufacturing engineering technology, technology and engineering education, and technology management. The placement rate for graduates from these programs is more than 95 percent, with an average starting salary of nearly $70,000. The department plans to increase enrollment by 40% to 700 students by 2025 to meet Iowa’s workforce needs.
The University of Northern Iowa is grateful for the support from the State of Iowa. In 2021, UNI secured $40.5 million in state funding for the project from the Iowa General Assembly. In addition, a $4.2 million private campaign as a part of UNI’s Our Tomorrow fundraising efforts drew investments from industry partners.