Development News From Southwest Indiana

WASHINGTON (Indiana) – The University of Indianapolis plans to bring its MBA and selected undergraduate bachelor-level programs to the West Gate Technology Park next spring, according to Mitch Shapiro, dean of the Business School at U of I.

More than 4,000 employees travel from over 40 Indiana counties each day to work at the $2 billion Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane) nearby the town of Crane, including scientists, engineers and technical professionals.

University officials are presently reviewing possible temporary facilities outside the northwest gate of NSWC Crane. “In line with 21st century needs, we plan to take our programs where NSWC Crane employees and others in the region can conveniently pursue graduate and undergraduate goals,” explained Dr. Shapiro. He noted that the University also administers a successful off-campus graduate program at the Rolls-Royce aircraft engine facility in southwest Indianapolis.

“It’s critical to have graduate educational opportunities built into the tech park, which will be attractive to technology companies considering a new location at the West Gate,” said Mike Gentile, executive director of Crane Technology Inc., a non-profit organization supporting statewide economic development associated with NSWC Crane base.

Applauding the move, Gentile noted that the coming presence of a major urban university in a rural area was evidence of the transformation potential of NSWC Crane, especially as base resources and operations integrate more fully into the Indiana economy.

On November 8, officials from the University of Indianapolis will offer information about enrollment and coursework at mid-day on the NSWC base and at 6 p.m. at the Carnegie Public Library in Washington. Graduate and undergraduate courses will be scheduled and offered according to student interest and enrollment.

“This is excellent news, as it provides a major opportunity for our regional workforce to develop their potential, a key goal of our Washington Vision and Values program,” said Dave Abel, mayor of Washington.

Rose Hulman, IUPUI and other institutions of higher learning presently offer graduate engineering, public administration and other classes at NSWC Crane, but the University of Indianapolis program will be the first at the West Gate @ Crane facility off the base while remaining in close proximity.

“Given that the U of I programs will be offered outside the military gates, anyone who qualifies for academic admission can take part without worrying about a restricted gate pass to get on base, which makes it convenient and accessible for all,” explained Ron Arnold, executive director of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation and chairman of the West Gate development group.

As student interest and enrollment directs, the University of Indianapolis will offer MBA and certification programs at the West Gate park with concentrations in finance, marketing, organizational leadership, technology management, and supply chain management.

Prospective students pursuing goals other than graduate programs are also welcome to partake in the new university opportunity. “For those desiring to complete their undergraduate degree but haven’t had the time, the U of I program offers high flexibility,” added Arnold.

All University of Indianapolis programs will be taught by professors from the Indianapolis campus and qualified area professionals.

“Video-conferencing of classes and distance learning represent versatile tools, but we believe that having a live professor or instructor directly in the classroom is important,” said Dr. Shapiro.

University of Indianapolis academic programs are fully accredited and enjoy a positive national reputation. A recent account of American colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report ranked U of I programs as being in the “top tier” of all ranked programs.

Recognized for its diverse international student body and academic excellence, the University maintains affiliate campuses in China, Israel and Greece.

ABOUT THE WEST GATE @ CRANE – Expected to eventually become a 1,000 acre technology region, the West Gate @ Crane is being developed by county and economic development commissions from Daviess, Martin and Greene counties. The state-of-the-art facilities now in development are expected to serve major commercial technology companies associated with the $2 billion NSWC Crane military technical center. Facilities are also being designed for academic and training operations, with expected involvement from the University of Indianapolis, Purdue University, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and other Indiana institutions of higher learning. For more information, please visit www.westgatecrane.com. Media inquiries can be directed to Michael Snyder at The MEK Group, 317-805-4870 or by e-mail: msnyder@themekgroup.com.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS – Founded in 1902 by what is now the United Methodist Church, the University of Indianapolis is a comprehensive institution of higher education with a faculty and student body representing diverse faiths, nationalities, and racial and ethnic heritages. The 4,100 students are drawn from around the world to the academically challenging undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs the university offers, and especially the strong programs in business, education and the nationally ranked health sciences. The University of Indianapolis (www.uindy.org) is inspiring excellence with a personal approach to education and a commitment to academic quality. Outstanding faculty inspire students in small classes that allow individual attention. Further, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, through internships, active learning in the classroom and community service. For more information about the U of I MBA programs, please visit http://gradbus.uindy.edu./
Source: West Gate @ Crane