Sherman, Texas -- Austin College is proud to announce a new Bachelor of Science in Engineering program. The announcement was made at a press conference at the IDEA Center on April 17, 2025, attended by President Steven O’Day, Dr. Beth Gill, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Rahul Renu, Founding Director of the Engineering Program, and other members of the faculty and staff.
Local engineering industry experts, including Executive Vice President for Government Affairs at GlobalWafers Co., Ltd. Brent Omdahl, Vice President of Huitt-Zollers' Sherman office and Sherman City Council Member Clay Barnett, and President/CEO of the Sherman Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) Kent Sharp were also present to share their enthusiasm for the College’s new Bachelor of Science in Engineering and the role it will play in supporting development in the region.
“It is my great pleasure to share this historic announcement that beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, Austin College will offer a Bachelor of Science in Engineering program,” said O’Day. “AC students can earn an engineering degree, right here in Sherman, with the added advantage of a traditional liberal arts education. As with all our programs, AC students will graduate with the tools required for a future in engineering—possibly right here in Texoma.”
Austin College’s strong connections to the North Texas region, combined with their location in the epicenter of the North Texas semiconductor tech hub, allows for collaboration with local industry experts. According to Gill, this presents a unique advantage for both students and for the community.
“Through deep collaborations with regional leaders in technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and engineering, our students will gain unparalleled access to mentorship, internships, and real-world experience. This unique blend of technical expertise, critical thinking, and industry engagement positions our graduates to drive innovation and economic growth in Grayson County and beyond.”
While developing the engineering curriculum, Renu has already begun teaching select engineering courses at the College, and there are many graduates of the physics and mathematics programs who are already working in the engineering field. According to Renu, the response to the initial engineering courses have been tremendous.
“Our students are already making a difference, through class projects where, for instance, one student produced a prosthetic arm for children living in poverty, and another produced a retractable canopy that protects wheelchair riders from rain,” he commented. “Austin College has a long-standing legacy of producing great thinkers and leaders. The addition of the engineering program will amplify the impact our students will have on a rapidly changing world.”
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.
