Sherman, Texas -- Austin College announced a new Bachelor of Science in Engineering program on April 17, 2025, at a press conference held in the IDEA Center Oscar C. Page Atrium. The event was attended by Austin College, faculty, staff, students, and the director of the new program, as well as regional industry partners and supporters.
After announcing the program, President Steven P. O’Day elaborated on why the College is adding engineering to the curriculum now. “In light of extraordinary growth [in the Texoma region] and the needs that will come with it, the Austin College faculty reflected on what Austin College could offer to meet this moment in the story of our region,” said O’Day. “I hope that this announcement today of a new Bachelor of Science in Engineering program is a reminder that Austin College has a major role to play in the development of our region.”
Dr. Rahul Renu, Founding Director of the Engineering Program and Associate Professor of Engineering, followed O’Day to share some of the program’s highlights. “The Austin College Engineering Program will deliver a world class engineering education to students through a hands-on, project-based curriculum,” said Renu. “Our partnerships with companies and organizations such as Huitt-Zollars, SEDCO, GlobalWafers, and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers—just to name a few—will provide students with transformative opportunities beyond the classroom.”
The announcement was supported by the local Texoma community with representatives from the Sherman Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), Huitt-Zollars, GlobalWafers, and the city of Sherman.
Clay Barnett, Sherman City Council member and Vice President of engineering firm Huitt-Zollars' Sherman office shared his support of the new program. “Austin College’s commitment to academic excellence, their high-ranking scores in mathematics and sciences, dedication to producing students that possess intellect and ingenuity, lend itself to starting a world-class engineering school,” said Barnett. “With the announcements from Texas Instruments and Global Wafers, Sherman has been titled as the ‘Silicon Prairie.’ It is only fitting that the ‘Silicon Prairie’ have a first-class engineering program, and I have no doubts Austin College will meet that challenge.”
Brent Omdahl, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs at GlobalWafers Co., Ltd., expressed his anticipation for the future collaboration with Austin College, saying, “We look forward to having student interns come and work at our facility and we look forward to the day that we hire our first Austin College engineers.”
Kent Sharp, President/CEO of SEDCO, was in attendance to share his enthusiasm for the announcement, as well as excitement for the talent pipeline of engineers that will support the growth of the region. “SEDCO is so grateful Austin College is leading the way to bring a local engineering program to our area,” said Sharp. “Our hope is that Austin College students will remain in Sherman upon graduation, making Sherman their permanent home.”
Echoing Sharp’s hope and vision for the future of the region, Sherman Mayor Shawn Teamann said, “Our city has been in this location for 200 years and Austin College has been with us every step of the way since that time. They have been an instrumental partner with the City of Sherman in creating careers and creating a community where you can go get an education and stay here and work.” He continued, “This program is just as important—if not more important—than all of the investment that we’ve seen [into local engineering industries], because this is not only making a monetary investment into this community but making that investment into the citizens of this community and giving people the opportunities to have a career, stay here, and raise a family. I can’t be more proud of what you guys are doing here and the investment into your students and the partnership and investment that you’re making with Sherman.”
Finally, Dr. Beth Gill, Vice President of Academic Affairs, took the podium to address the students in the audience. “At Austin College, we believe the world needs engineers who can do more than solve technical problems. It needs engineers who can think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate across differences, and act ethically. That is what a liberal arts education does—that’s what Austin College does,” said Gill. “The future is going to be bright and is yours to shape. We look forward to building this future together.”
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
