BLUEFIELD – Bluefield State College announced Wednesday that after a nearly decade-long hiatus, it has resurrected its mining engineering technology program to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the mining industry.
“We are excited to relaunch the Mining Engineering Technology program at Bluefield State College,” said Dr. Darin Martin, interim president of Bluefield State College. “This program has long been a cornerstone of our engineering education, and its revival is a testament to our college's dedication to fostering economic growth in our region and providing valuable educational opportunities. In less than two years, with the support of industry, this has gone from a great idea to a glorious reality.”
The announcement was made at the third annual BSU/Pocahontas Loyalty Scholarship Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Fincastle in Bluefield, Virginia.
This year's inductee is Keith Sigmon, a BSU alumnus and general manager of Coronado Coal's Buchanan Mine. He joins past inductees such as the late Frank Hart, longtime mining professor and dean, Jack Richardson, COO of Warrior Met Coal, and Jason Whitehead, COO of Alpha Metallurgical Resources.
“It is a great honor to be inducted into the Mining and Engineering Hall of Fame,” Sigmon said.
Sigmon graduated from the university's mining program in 1994. He advised the first class of students in the revived program.
“I would tell them to study hard and work hard,” he said. “Get an internship and learn all you can. Learn how to apply what you learn in school, so that when you leave school, you'll be ready to hit the ground running.”
According to Keith Olson, vice president of development at Bluefield State College, the idea to revive the mining engineering technology program began when Bluefield State College board member Shannon Remines and Mike Blackburn of Pocahontas Royalties were having dinner two years ago. After lamenting the need for trained engineers and the high regard given to BSU graduates in that industry, the two decided to launch an effort to revive the program.
Gov. Jim Justice arrived in Fincastle on Wednesday for the event.
“I think it's great,” Justice said of the revamped program. “We've been here for a few years now. At first we were hoping to keep it going until we could actually have students come, and now we're at that stage. It won't be a lot at first, but it's really important. People who think coal is over, there are a lot of people in DC who want to get rid of coal, but that's ridiculous. It's all just flippant language, because there's no way we could get by without coal today. No human being can get by without coal, and certainly not without gas. So at the end of the day, I'm really proud to be here.”
Olson said hosting the annual scholarship dinner also provided college officials with an opportunity to build relationships with industry leaders and supporters, and celebrate the program's history by showcasing Bluefield State College's Mining Engineering Hall of Fame.
The degree program was approved by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission later this spring, and university officials immediately began visiting area high schools and vocational and technical schools.
Olson said the program comes at a great time.
“There are 14 accredited mining and mineral engineering degree programs across the country that produce approximately 150 graduates, but the industry needs more than 500 engineers each year,” he said. “Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 27 percent of the current geoscience workforce will retire by 2029, and 130,000 well-trained workers will be needed to fill the gap.”
In addition to financial support, the industry also provides on-site lab space, paid summer internships, and part-time instructors with expertise in specific fields.
“It's important for students to get real-world experience outside the classroom and into the workforce,” said Bill Bennett, dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The four-year program culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree and offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern mining industry. Courses cover a variety of topics, including mine ventilation, planning, safety management, mineral processing and mine leadership and organization, Olson said. Students will also benefit from hands-on training, state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with industry leaders.
Martin said the revived program will have a positive impact on the local community.
“The revival of the Mining Engineering Technology program is a win not only for our students, but also for the mining industry and the local economy that depends on it,” he said. “We are committed to producing graduates who are ready to contribute to the success of this vital industry.”
Classes began last week and registration is now open for admission to the mining engineering technology program, Olson said. Interest in the program is expected to be high, so prospective students are encouraged to apply early.
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