Contact: Phil Hearn
A group of engineering majors from Mississippi State is in England as part of a six-week program mixing credit courses with European travel for a unique cultural experience.
Five participants in the Bagley College of Engineering's Study-Abroad Program have joined a dozen students from Clemson University for classes that began June 30 at the University of Bristol. They are accompanied by MSU mechanical engineering professor Keith Hodge and wife Gayle.
The six-year-old program was initiated several years ago by Dean Wayne Bennett, who established similar study-abroad opportunities while earlier serving as an administrator at Clemson and Virginia Tech universities.
Bennett said the MSU/Clemson program features British-taught courses in computer-aided design and the history of technology. Once classes conclude July 24, the students then will scatter for two weeks of independent travel throughout the island nation or other European countries, he added.
"They'll get to experience a different educational environment firsthand, but the idea is to get them out to see as much as they can," said Allen Greenwood, an industrial engineering professor and the college's new international studies coordinator.
Greenwood succeeded Roger King, an electrical and computer engineering professor who had headed the program since its inception.
Greenwood, who accompanied MSU participants last summer, said the students will visit Stonehenge and other historical sites, tour London, attend a Shakespearean play and examine Welsh castles and a variety of old suspension bridges, among other activities. Lodging will be provided by families in Bristol, an inland North Atlantic port city located about two hours west of London.
The study-abroad program is funded through an endowment established by Fred and Sara Jean Burke of Atlanta. Fred Burke, a native Mississippian and 1971 MSU graduate, is president and chief executive officer of Central Pharmacy Services in the Georgia capital.
MSU students participating in this year's program include (by hometown and including specific major):
BRANDON--Robert W. McInnis, a graduate student in industrial engineering who earlier received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at MSU. [Parents' names not available.]
RAYMOND--Senior chemical engineering major John C. Reed, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Reed.
RIDGELAND--Junior aerospace engineering major Joel J. Konkle-Parker, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Parker.
RIVER RIDGE, La.--Senior aerospace engineering major David M. Nides, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Nides.
ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C.--Senior chemical engineering major Amy M. Hall, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Hall.