RELEASED: May 6, 2004

DANVILLE, KY—Centre College "3-2" engineering students can enjoy a personal education and earn a specialized degree.

After three years at Centre and two at one of four major universities, 3-2 engineering program students can receive a liberal arts degree from Centre and a specialized engineering degree from Columbia University (New York), Vanderbilt University (Nashville), Washington University (St. Louis) or the University of Kentucky (Lexington).

"I think [this program] creates a more well-rounded experience with the liberal arts education," says Jake Sparks, a junior from Owensboro, Ky. "The Washington University representative has told me that people who come from the liberal arts background are well suited for administrative positions because they have more than just the technical skills. They also have the communication skills and the critical thinking skills."

Sparks is a physics major at Centre. He plans to attend Washington University to major in mechanical engineering. He hopes to work in the automotive industry.

Bill Crummett, associate professor of physics at Centre, says that students who have a liberal arts background reap many benefits.

"The written and oral communication skills and the breadth of knowledge will make them stand out as leaders in an engineering company and engineering professional organizations," he says. "Also, being at Centre allows them to pursue other interests: other academic areas, arts and sports."

Jeremy Cooper knows the value of the Centre education. Cooper, who majored in mathematics Centre, is completing the civil engineering program at the University of Kentucky where he will graduate next year.

"Centre was student-teacher oriented and I learned a lot more than I would have if I'd started at UK," says the Harlan, Ky., native. "[Centre] teachers will help you at all costs. I had a teacher who was always in his office from 3 to 6 p.m. everyday. He'd help anyone at anytime. He never turned anyone away. I appreciate that more now."

Students say they walk away with more than just technical skills.

"I've developed skills here that I wouldn't have at another school," Sparks says. "Like writing. I think that my skills have been developed more because of classes like history, humanities, and religion."

For more on the "3-2" program and other Centre majors, go to http://www.centre.edu/web/academic/majors/.

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