MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — Middle Tennessee State University is celebrating the opening of a new, state-of-the-art engineering building that university leaders say will transform how students learn.

The three-story, 90,000 square-foot Applied Engineering Building officially opened its doors Tuesday, marking a major milestone for MTSU’s growing mechatronics and engineering technology programs.

University staff, students, and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony before touring the facility, which houses some of the most advanced robotics and manufacturing technology available at a Tennessee public university.

"This was truly a facility that could change lives," said MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee. "It allows our students to explore the latest innovations in manufacturing, robotics, and machinery."

The $74.8 million facility features cutting-edge lab space and industry-level equipment designed to give students real-world experience in one of the nation’s fastest-growing career fields.

Graduate student Abbie Lee said the tools inside are unlike anything she has had access to before.

"We have some six-axis robots and other incredible equipment in this facility," Lee said. "I’m excited to get to see it all in action."

Faculty said the facility has been years in the making, and decades in the dreams of some who have long advocated for MTSU’s expanding STEM programs.

"It’s been four years for me and decades for some of the faculty here," said Dr. Greg Van Patten, Dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences. "You’re afraid you’ll wake up and it’s all a dream, but no, this is real. And it opens up exciting new research opportunities."

University leaders hope the new facility will attract more students to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/murfreesboro/mtsu-opens-state-of-the-art-engineering-building/