New OBU engineering students eligible to receive additional $3,000 scholarships

New OBU students enrolling in the University’s new engineering program will receive a $3,000 scholarship in addition to the typical academic scholarships. Students are eligible to continue receiving this additional scholarship as long as they remain enrolled in the program. All scholarship eligibility information, policies and procedures can be found on the OBU website.

Financially, this additional scholarship will make OBU even more competitive compared to schools offering engineering in its region. But OBU’s fresh hands-on approach to an engineering degree provides infinitely more value.

“With a foundation of solid academic programs in math and science, the addition of engineering degrees is a logical next step,” said Larinee Dennis, dean of business, health science and education. “With program distinctives including connections to industry partners, faculty with relevant industry experience, and a practical hands-on approach to learning, we anticipate OBU engineering graduates will find outstanding success upon program completion.”

Dr. Charles E. Baukal, Jr., founding director of OBU’s engineering program, provides extensive leadership and expertise with more than 40 years of industrial work experience. His goal is not only classroom success, but more importantly workforce success for each student who comes through the program.

Small class sizes mean that students will be learning directly from faculty with industry experience, not from teacher assistants in classes filled with hundreds of other students.

OBU’s multi-faceted engineering program offers three bachelor’s degree options – mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and systems engineering. Each of these are 126-hour engineering degrees. While they will be taught in a context that relates to the aerospace industry, students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to enter any industry requiring these engineering degrees.

Baukal has been working in industry as a combustion engineer for more than 40 years and has taught as an adjunct engineering instructor for over 38 years. He is a registered Professional Engineer and Qualified Environmental Professional. Baukal has authored/edited 17 books: 14 on industrial combustion and 3 on engineering education. Plus, he is an inventor on 11 U.S. patents and serves on many advisory boards.

He is creating a team of industry partnerships, instructors and advisors that currently are, or have been, working professionals in the field. This assures that students are educated on the actual operations of the engineering industry.