History of the Department of Engineering Technology

The establishment of the Department of Engineering Technology (ET) at the University of Kentucky represents a deliberate, strategically executed, multi-year effort grounded in workforce demand, strong industry partnerships, and academic innovation. Its development reflects a disciplined progression from initial concept validation through institutional approval, program launch, and measurable outcomes in student success.

The foundation of the Department of Engineering Technology dates to January 14, 2019, when Dean Rudolph G. Buchheit formally commissioned a feasibility assessment to evaluate the need for a new Engineering Technology program.

This initiated a structured exploration focused on:

• Identifying workforce gaps in applied engineering and advanced manufacturing
• Benchmarking against leading national Engineering Technology programs
• Aligning academic offerings with industry demand across Kentucky and the broader region

On August 8, 2019, the feasibility report—presented by Nelson K. Akafuah to the Dean’s Executive Committee—provided a compelling, data-driven case for establishing a department centered on applied, industry-aligned education.

With feasibility established, efforts advanced toward program design and strategic collaboration.

A critical milestone occurred on April 24, 2020, with the execution of a cooperative agreement between the UK College of Engineering and Bluegrass Community and Technical College.

This agreement formalized a 2+2 transfer pathway, enabling:

• Seamless articulation from associate to bachelor’s degree programs
• Expanded access to Engineering Technology education
• A robust and sustainable pipeline of workforce-ready graduates

Subsequently, on August 25, 2020, the College of Engineering faculty approved both the creation of the department and its degree programs, confirming academic rigor and alignment with institutional priorities.

The year 2021 marked a critical phase of institutional validation through a rigorous governance process:

• February 1, 2021 – University Faculty Senate approval of department creation
• February 19, 2021 – Approval by the University Board of Trustees
• March 8, 2021 – Faculty Senate approval of degree programs
• May 4, 2021 – Board of Trustees approval of degree programs
• June 25, 2021 – Final approval by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

These milestones collectively affirmed the department’s:

• Academic integrity and program quality
• Strategic importance to state workforce development
• Institutional commitment to long-term sustainability

Concurrent with governance approvals, strong industry partnerships emerged as a defining pillar of the department.

On April 21, 2021, Toyota Motor North America announced $1.13 million in scholarships, directly supporting student access and success.

This was followed by a transformative commitment of $2.25 million on July 22, 2021, to support the department’s development and growth.

These investments:

• Signaled strong confidence from industry partners
• Reinforced alignment with workforce needs
• Accelerated program implementation and impact

The Department of Engineering Technology was officially launched on July 27, 2021, marking the transition from planning to operational execution.

On the same date, Nelson K. Akafuah was named the Inaugural Chair, providing strategic leadership to guide the department’s academic vision, industry engagement, and program development.

In Fall 2021, the first cohort of Engineering Technology students began their academic journey at Bluegrass Community and Technical College as part of the 2+2 model.

By Fall 2023, this inaugural cohort successfully transitioned to the University of Kentucky to complete their junior and senior years, demonstrating the effectiveness of the transfer pathway and program structure.

The department’s growth was further strengthened through significant investments in infrastructure and student support:

• October 19, 2021 – $1.0 million committed for ET laboratory renovations through the James Hardymon Undergraduate Capital Project Accounts
• May 22, 2022 – $125,000 gift from Karen and Stanley Pigman for a 24-passenger shuttle bus
• August 23, 2022 – $1.25 million Pigman Engineering Technology Scholarship established

These contributions enhanced:

• State-of-the-art teaching and laboratory facilities
• Student access and experiential learning opportunities
• Recruitment, retention, and financial support mechanisms

A defining milestone occurred on June 16, 2023, when the Board of Trustees approved naming the department in honor of Fujio Cho.

This recognition reflects:

• Mr. Cho’s global leadership in Lean systems and manufacturing excellence
• The strength of the university–industry partnership
• A lasting institutional identity tied to continuous improvement and innovation

In May 2025, the department celebrated its first graduating cohort—marking a defining moment in its evolution.

Both the Lean Systems Engineering Technology and Computer Engineering Technology programs achieved 100% placement prior to graduation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the department’s applied, industry-driven model.

Graduates secured roles with leading organizations, including:

• Toyota Motor Corporation
• Mercedes-Benz Group
• Amazon
• Link-Belt Cranes

Notably:

• Lean Systems graduates entered roles in continuous improvement, manufacturing consulting, and operations
• Computer Engineering Technology graduates secured positions in automation, product engineering, and production systems
• Program impact extended beyond industry, with graduates contributing to workforce development in educational settings

This milestone validated the department’s core mission—producing graduates who are immediately prepared to contribute in high-demand technical roles.

The history of the Department of Engineering Technology is defined by a strategically aligned and execution-focused development model that integrates:

• Academic rigor through structured governance and program design
• Industry partnership through sustained investment and collaboration
• Workforce alignment through applied curriculum and transfer pathways
• Institutional commitment through leadership, infrastructure, and innovation

From its inception in 2019 to its first graduating class in 2025, the department has rapidly emerged as a nationally relevant model for modern engineering technology education, positioned at the intersection of academia, industry, and workforce development.