INVESTMENT IN SUCCESS
Conference celebrates ECU’s BSIT, tech transfer programs
Roughly 100 community college administrators and leaders attended East Carolina University’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) and Technology Systems Transfer Day, learning about the program and the important roles they play in leading to student success.
Wendy Young, welding tech program lead at Rockingham Community College, listens to a presentation during the program. (Photo by Rhett Butler)
Alex Ranieri, director of advising at Lenoir Community College, attended ECU as a teaching fellow and holds a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees from ECU.
“I definitely bleed purple and gold,” she said.
Relatively new to her position at the Kinston college, she came to the presentation at Harvey Hall to learn more about the BSIT program.
“I don’t know as much about these transfer programs, so I’m here to become more familiar with them,” she said.
The BSIT degree program can be ideal for students and adult learners with a technical or industrial related Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree who are looking to boost their careers with a four-year degree. It includes concentrations in architectural design technology; mechanical design technology; distribution and logistics; information and computer technology; industrial management; industrial engineering technology; bioprocess manufacturing; and health information technology.
Beyond the BSIT program, ECU’s Department of Technology Systems offers undergraduate degrees in design, industrial distribution and logistics, industrial engineering technology, and information and computer technology as well as graduate degrees in network technology, occupational safety and technology management. It is part of ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology.
The event included informational sessions on all technology systems transfer programs and concentrations, transfer information specific to ECU, online and face-to-face instructional options, student support information and more.
Daniel Lang is as an academic advisor at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington.
“It’s not just our typical college transfers, so we have a lot of students who have finished their Associate of Applied Science degrees, and this gives them an opportunity to secure those four-year degrees that aren’t in the traditional realm. It’s a big deal,” Lang said.
He said many students get hands-on experience in their fields early but need those college degrees to advance their careers.
“It’s a great opportunity. It’s a great thing that ECU does for community college students,” he said. “With the BSIT, it gives them the opportunity for potentially more earnings in their careers, so it’s a great option for them.”
Participants in the program pose for a group picture. (Photo by Ken Buday)
He said that ECU’s online offerings allow Cape Fear students to remain employed full time and in the Wilmington area while earning their degrees.
“That’s a big thing that I bring up to students is that ECU has really done a nice job with their online programs, and the students know that, too,” Lang said. “That’s a well-earned reputation.”
Chancellor Philip Rogers welcomed those attending the conference, saying that the BSIT program is a perfect example of ECU’s mission.
“It really does embody the spirit of student success, public service and regional transformation in meaningful ways,” he said.
He told those attending that the focus of many in higher education is to ensure the investment in a college degree pays off.
“I think we have proven that this (BSIT) is a program that does just that,” he said. “We can demonstrate to our students that when they come through your doors and into our doors and ultimately out into the economy and into society that we do make a difference in the lives of others, that this is an affordable and timely educational experience that allows you to go out and advance in the world today.”
He celebrated those attending, saying the administration, faculty and staff at community colleges are valuable partners in creating the workforce of tomorrow.
“Mission matters; vision matters, but you can’t accomplish either one of those things without real, meaningful partnerships,” Rogers said. “You sit at the center of making this a success. The North Carolina Community College System is a key partner in that work.”
Lang said he appreciated the opportunity to attend the meeting.
“We’re really grateful to come out and meet everybody and see who our students are going to interact with,” he said. “That’s always a real comfort for us because we care about our students, and we know they are going to be in good hands here.”
For more information in ECU’s BSIT program, contact academic advisor Jason Denius by email or call 252-328-9610.