Kent State's Aeronautics and Engineering program spreads its wings in expanded building

April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal
·3 min read
Christina Bloebaum, dean and professor oof the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State University, gives a tour of the completed expansion of the building. "Dare Mighty Things," a Theodore Roosevelt quote and the college's motto, is displayed above the door of the atrium entrance.
Christina Bloebaum, dean and professor oof the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State University, gives a tour of the completed expansion of the building. "Dare Mighty Things," a Theodore Roosevelt quote and the college's motto, is displayed above the door of the atrium entrance.

When people visit the recently expanded Aeronautics and Engineering Building at Kent State, they will see the words "Dare Mighty Things" prominently displayed in the main atrium entrance.

Christina Bloebaum, the dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State University, said the words come from a speech from former President Theodore Roosevelt. Basically, it is meant to encourage its students and faculty to try new things, even if it means failing from time to time.

"Dare Mighty Things," a Theodore Roosevelt quote and the college's motto, is displayed above the door of the atrium entrance of the Kent State University College of Aeronautics and Engineering building, which recently underwent a multi-million dollar expansion.
"Dare Mighty Things," a Theodore Roosevelt quote and the college's motto, is displayed above the door of the atrium entrance of the Kent State University College of Aeronautics and Engineering building, which recently underwent a multi-million dollar expansion.

"You want to fail in an environment where you can recover," Bloebaum said. "But also don't be afraid of going out on a limb."

The College of Aeronautics and Engineering's programs have seen major success as the college focuses on new technologies and innovations.

Christina Bloebaum, dean and professor of Kent State's College of Aeronautics and Engineering, gives a tour of the completed expansion of the building, including a classroom in the robotics heavy lower level called the Bot Bunker.
Christina Bloebaum, dean and professor of Kent State's College of Aeronautics and Engineering, gives a tour of the completed expansion of the building, including a classroom in the robotics heavy lower level called the Bot Bunker.

When the formerly named Aeronautics and Technology Building initially opened in April 2015, there were plans already in place for a future expansion, said Bloebaum. However, that expansion, which was unveiled for the now-named Aeronautics and Engineering Building in October, was much larger than anyone could have expected.

"We've practically moved into a new building," Bloebaum said during a tour of the expanded facility.

The space, about three to four times larger than initially planned, was needed, Bloebaum said: The freshman class this fall is double the size of the first freshman class Bloebaum saw as dean when she came to Kent State University in 2018.

Marla E. Pérez-Davis, the director for the Center for Advanced Air Mobility, called the building unique and state of the art.

"Students are going to see opportunities to do things that are hands on, top of the line," Pérez-Davis said. "We are really lucky to be part of that. Emerging technologies change so fast. One of the things we are actively working on is looking into air taxis, for example. We have the ability to work in ways we haven't seen before. Students are getting knowledge of programming and using drones. Air transportation of the future may look different a few years from now. There's so much potential, we are just scratching the surface."

Why the Aeronautics and Technology Building came to be

Dr. Kelsen LaBerge prepares for her Intro to engineering class at Kent State University.
Dr. Kelsen LaBerge prepares for her Intro to engineering class at Kent State University.

In April 2015, Kent State University moved its College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology from Van Deusen Hall to a new 55,000-square-foot building after two years of construction.

Enrollment has since exploded, with a 53.6% increase in enrolling freshmen since 2018.

Overall enrollment in the college increased from 1,141 students in 2022 to 1,288 students in 2023, representing a 13% increase, according to the university.

The recent addition expands the by approximately 44,000 square feet.

Kent State received a $1.5 million gift from the Timken Foundation of Canton to support the $19.6 million expansion project.

The additional space includes classrooms, research laboratories, and maker spaces for student use, Bloebaum said. The expanded areas also include more space for faculty and a space for part-time faculty and graduate students.

Learning doesn't just take place in the labs and classrooms, however. For example, Bloebaum said that students working with drone technology can practice flying drones in the large atrium area.

Another highlight is a series of simulator rooms that provide students with airport tower controls. Students learn to communicate with each other and the vocabulary needed to work in an airport tower. In another part of the building, students studying aviation take a final exam through a virtual reality program.

Looking through the window of the Aeronautics Traffic Control Simulator as a student works on the tower simulator in the lower level called the Bot Bunker.
Looking through the window of the Aeronautics Traffic Control Simulator as a student works on the tower simulator in the lower level called the Bot Bunker.

Certifications in some fields also are options, Bloebaum said.

Graduates from the college have made an impact, Bloebaum said.

"One of our first students who graduated with the Mechatronics Engineering degree went to Tesla," she said. "He discovered a flaw in their PLC programming, something they used in their companies worldwide. He's obviously doing very well there."

Kent State airport will see improvement: Kent State trustees approve $5.2 million in upgrades to university airport in Stow

Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kent State's new Aeronautics and Engineering expands opportunities