Contact: Maridith Geuder
Faculty-industry exchanges, new research projects and increased interactions with students are part of a partnership agreement being signed Wednesday [Aug. 13] between Laurel-based Howard Industries and Mississippi State University's College of Engineering.
Howard is the No. 1 producer of electrical power distribution transformers in the United States. The manufacturing facility is located in the Laurel industrial park.
Engineering Dean A. Wayne Bennett, Howard Chief Executive Officer Billy Howard and company President Linda Howard will sign the partnership document in 10 a.m. ceremonies at the company conference room.
"Howard Industries and the College of Engineering have had a long relationship of working together," Bennett said. "This agreement will bring more top engineering graduates to Laurel and it will help make Howard Industries a stronger presence on campus."
Bennett said the company will sponsor a variety of student-related activities, including field trips to the plant, recognition events, research projects, and speakers for group activities.
The partnership will provide "practical learning experiences" for students and help focus faculty and student research on issues of particular interest to Howard, he added. It also will introduce students to potential career opportunities.
"Howard Industries is home to a large number of Mississippi State engineering graduates who are making important contributions to our work," said Billy Howard, a 1948 electrical engineering graduate of the university.
"We're excited about opportunities to contribute to the education of students at Mississippi State and to raise the visibility of Howard Industries as an outstanding place to work in Mississippi," said Linda Howard.
Activities will get under way in the fall semester that begins Aug. 18.