McCoys Pledge $3.3 Million to Engineering Expansions

McCoys Pledge $3.3 Million to Engineering Expansions

Mr. and Mrs. James N. McCoy along with the McCoy Foundation have pledged $3.3 million to the expansion of programs and building addition to the McCoy School of Engineering at Midwestern State University.

Through the McCoys' gift, the university is now poised to introduce a master's program in mechanical engineering and an interdisciplinary engineering program that will focus on general engineering. The program will include manufacturing engineering and sustainable energy systems, and it is intended to complement the existing undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.

"The Midwestern State University Engineering Department benefits not only engineering majors, but the entire MSU and Wichita Falls communities as well. In today's competitive job market, an engineering degree provides the program's graduates with opportunities that many other job seekers can only imagine," said McCoy. "For me, my solid educational foundations in science and math opened numerous doors, and Vicki and I welcome the opportunity to help young future engineers, just like my parents, teachers, and mentors assisted me. Consequently, Vicki and I are happy to support the MSU Engineering Department expand its already successful program."

In addition to the program expansions, the McCoy commitment will fund the construction of additional laboratories, classrooms, and office space for faculty members to meet the demands of a growing enrollment of engineering majors.

"We are proud of the response to our relatively young engineering program and are fortunate to have the support of Vicki and Jim," said MSU President Jesse Rogers. "Their pledge to Midwestern not only shows their confidence in our institution but also their commitment to providing students, both current and future, with the resources they will need to compete as engineers in today's industry."

The first engineering technology program at MSU began in 1985 in response to the expressed needs of area manufacturers. The mechanical engineering program was implemented in Fall 2003 and was named in recognition of the McCoys' gift to the university to support the program. Four years after implementation, the program received accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).