The future is bright for 2019

by | Jan 2, 2019 | Inside Mines, President's Corner, Winter 2019 | 0 comments

2019 will be another busy and exciting year at Mines. We only have five years left to accomplish our MINES@150 strategic plan and ensure that Mines is well positioned for its next 150 years as the world’s premier science and engineering school. Five years seems like a long time in some ways, but it’s very short when you look more closely at what needs to be done. There is a pretty significant role in the plan for our alumni, and in fact, many are already playing key leadership roles in planning, programming and supporting the MINES@150 plan.

In the near term, some of the things I’m looking forward to in 2019 include the completion of key construction projects, the launch of new academic programs and, of course, everything uniquely Mines that happens in the course of each academic year.  

In the new year, we will complete our first-ever parking garage and renovations to the Green Center. The first project is significant, not just because it adds much-needed parking to campus, but also because it will increase our classroom capacity. The parking garage design includes a 20,000-square-foot exterior “wrap” featuring modern flexible classrooms that provide opportunities for innovative instruction in our design courses. Completion of the Green Center renovation is key to our ability to hold conferences and workshops, present plays and musical performances on campus and host local community events, like Jefferson Symphony Orchestra performances.

2019 will also bring a number of new academic programs to Mines, many of which will expand what we currently offer to practicing professionals in terms of certificates, master’s degrees and continuing education. We’re even adding online options so our alumni and new students can enroll in courses any time and from anywhere in the world. I’m excited about the programs and courses being developed for the world’s first space resources program, our expanding activity in advanced manufacturing and more professional development opportunities in the mining sector.

I’m hoping 2019 will also be a year of deeper and expanded relationships with industry and government agencies. One example is our recently signed cooperative agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey that will bring about 150 USGS scientists and their unique expertise and laboratory capabilities to the Mines campus, and we hope to pursue similar opportunities with industry. Relationships like this expand opportunities for students, research and education and enhance our reputation.

And finally, I can’t wait to see what the Mines Activity Council has in store for E-Days 2019.

Go Orediggers!

Paul C. Johnson, PhD
President and Professor