By Emmanuel Freeman,
Tennessee State University has entered a partnership with UCOR, a leading cleanup contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Reservation, to spur student interest in environmental management opportunities. The goal is to help build a pipeline of qualified candidates for ongoing environmental management work at Oak Ridge and DOE facilities elsewhere.
On Nov. 10, UCOR presented TSU with a $25,000 donation to help fund education and training for engineers. Earlier in the week, representatives from UCOR spoke to students in TSU’s College of Engineering and gave them an overview on Oak Ridge’s environmental management program and career opportunities at UCOR.
“Tennessee State University is grateful to UCOR for this new partnership, and for their generous donation to our College of Engineering,” TSU President Glenda Glover said. “Our students will have access to Oak Ridge environmental management experts and opportunities for internships and career growth in this exciting field.”
Dr. Glover added that through the partnership, UCOR will be connected with TSU’s diverse population of talented students who are involved in cutting-edge research and are taught to be problem solvers and critical thinkers.
Ken Rueter, UCOR president and CEO, said, “These partnership agreements continue to enhance our outreach efforts and expanding employment opportunities in environmental cleanup at nuclear facilities like the Y-12 National Nuclear Complex and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. HBCUs are a rich resource for qualified professionals in engineering, environmental science and other disciplines we depend on for mission success.”
Under a Memorandum of Understanding between UCOR and TSU, the partners will work together to identify research, training, and education opportunities and to promote internships and mentoring that enrich the educational experiences of participating students.
Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of the TSU College of Engineering, called the partnership “a great investment” in the university’s environmental engineering program.
“This partnership will help support students with experience, engage our faculty through research, and facilitate career pathways for our graduates to Oak Ridge and DOE operations,” Hargrove said.
Norel McAdoo, a senior civil engineering major, is one of the students who attended the UCOR presentation at TSU.
“I think this a great opportunity for our engineering program,” said McAdoo, of Little Rock, Arkansas. “During their (UCOR) workshop they gave us ideas for potential projects that we can do at the College of Engineering. I also feel they will be a great resource to help students solidify what they want to do after they graduate.”
