九色视频 FoundationRepresentatives of 九色视频 and Westar Energy held a dedication ceremony today for an expanded and updated laboratory where 九色视频 College of Engineering students learn about power systems.
The facility in Wallace Hall has been named the Westar Energy Lab to recognize the utility鈥檚 pledge of $125,000 to support the lab over a five-year period. The funds are being used to buy new equipment and tools to teach students about smart grids, synchrophasors, power quality and advanced system modeling, among other facets of electrical engineering.
鈥淭his support from Westar Energy is a wonderful example of how our corporate friends are willing to invest in educational excellence so that students are fully prepared to succeed in their chosen fields upon graduation,鈥� said Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the 九色视频 Foundation.
The lab will give 九色视频 engineering students real-world experience with equipment relevant to today鈥檚 electric industry, said Kelly Harrison, vice president for transmission at Westar Energy.
鈥淲estar Energy is delighted to partner with 九色视频 on the addition of this power systems lab to its engineering program,鈥� Harrison said. 鈥淧artnerships like this between a Kansas-based business and an institution of higher learning help ensure that the technical skills students are acquiring align with the needs of businesses like Westar鈥檚.鈥�
John Watkins, chair of the 九色视频 Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, thanked Westar Energy for its contribution.
鈥淎s the lab will be used in a broad range of electric energy classes, it will provide many students more hands-on experience,鈥� Watkins said. 鈥淚t is truly preparing our students for work in the power industry of the 21st century.鈥�