MOUNT VERNON – Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) will transform a downtown building at 18 E. Vine St., into a state-of-the-art academic hub for students in engineering and computer science programs.
A grant from Ariel Foundation will enable the university to renovate the lower floor of the former Mount Vernon News building and relocate the computer science program into a new shared space with MVNU’s Engineering programs, according to a university spokesperson.
“This move will foster greater collaboration between the computer science and engineering programs, thereby reinforcing our newly established computer engineering major," LeeAnn Couts, dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences, said. “Further support for the new major will come from a new embedded computing laboratory in the new space.”
The grant from the Ariel Foundation – the third largest gift in the university’s history – includes more than $1.4 million in state-of-the-art equipment to enhance student learning and research opportunities in computer science and mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
The renovated space will be named the HW Hub in memory of Hunter Wright. It will be accessible through Blackberry Alley, steps away from the Stephen W. Nease Center, home of engineering programs, according to a press release.
Its completion date is set for the fall of 2025. Construction will begin in the summer of 2024.
The HW Hub is considered an expansion of the Nease Center. It will create new laboratories for cyber security, virtual reality, embedded systems research, computing and networking, and mechanical engineering.
Considered a high-tech facility, its goals are to provide students with training in the latest cutting-edge technologies, prepare them for graduate studies, and bolster their ability to compete and perform in the job market, the release said.
"We expect that the development of the HW Hub and procurement of state-of-the art equipment will increase enrollment in both our engineering and computer science programs. The new facility will allow us to expand our course offerings and research opportunities in areas of interest to incoming students," Couts told the Mount Vernon News.
The timing of the development coincides with the new Intel fabrication facilities being built in Licking County, according to the release. MVNU has formed partnerships supported by Intel that will result in short courses and experiential microcredential workshops for students and resources for faculty to learn and teach new cutting-edge skills.
“This timely gift enhances our ability to meet the changing needs of our community,” said Amy Kovach, vice president for Academic Affairs.
The university will be better equipped to academically prepare engineers and computer scientists, allowing it to help meet the current and future employment demands in these fields, she said.
Couts said in emailed answers to questions that MVNU participates in two Intel-supported partnerships that provide coursework and training in semiconductor technology for our students and faculty. One partnership is with Kent State University, and the other is with the Ohio-southwest Alliance on Semiconductors and Integrated Scalable-Manufacturing (OASIS), which is administered by the University of Cincinnati.
"Intel will employ a large number of associate degree-level technicians, many of which will likely want to advance into bachelor degree programs to advance in their field. With MVNU being located in close proximity to Intel’s new semiconductor fabrication site, our engineering program expects to serve the educational needs of those employees," she said.
Name honors former Ariel Corp. president
The HW Hub was named to honor the memory of Hunter N. Wright, president of Ariel Corp., who died in 2021, following a battle with cancer.
Wright served on MVNU’s Engineering Industrial Advisory Board providing insight on educational objectives to build the engineering program, as well as external input on program assessment to support continuous improvement.
Knox Land Bank prepares building
The Knox County Land Bank, owner of the former Mount Vernon News building, is 80% complete with interior demolition on the main level of the building at 18 E. Vine Street, said Sam Filkins, vice president of the Area Development Foundation, which manages the operation of the Land Bank. Demolition has begun on the lower level. Once the demolition is complete, the Land Bank can begin the rebuilding project.
“By adding first-class lab space and classrooms to the lower level of the building, MVNU will create and retain jobs while developing an educated workforce for local companies,” Filkins said. “These programs are in line with current and future workforce needs and demonstrate MVNU’s forward-thinking approach to being a leader in this area.”
The building’s facade will be revitalized by combining historic elements with modern functionality. The Land Bank will repurpose the main floor of the building to create new commercial spaces in the downtown historic district.
To learn more about MVNU’s computer science and engineering programs: visit mvnu.edu.
