Board of Governors Chair Ned Lautenbach recognized Northrop Grumman as a State University System Business Champion on Thursday for its outstanding partnership with the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. The award is a continuation of the System’s Think Florida: A Higher Degree for Business initiative, designed to build synergies between universities and the business community.
Northrop Grumman has worked closely with the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and has given the college philanthropic gifts approaching a total of $500,000 over the past five years. These generous donations have supported retention programming, student scholarships, senior design projects and student clubs. Additionally, Northrop Grumman’s $400,000 donation to the National Society of Black Engineers has gone to support 24 engineering students at the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.
“Northrop Grumman has done an exceptional job working with the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering to maximize opportunities for students and prepare them for the future,” said Board Chair Ned Lautenbach. “Collaborations between the State University System and businesses have brought remarkable opportunities and value to our universities and our students.”
Northrop Grumman advises the College on program development, offers mentoring and internship opportunities for students, and supports several research projects that involve both students and faculty. Interns are tasked with real-world learning opportunities and are able to apply the procedures learned in college classrooms to experiences in the field. Northrop Grumman also advises the College of Engineering on program development, ensuring that students are learning the skills that are relevant in today’s workforce.
“We are very grateful for the depth and breadth of support from Northrop Grumman, and the confidence they are placing in our joint college,” said Murray Gibson, Dean of the College of Engineering. “Corporate support like theirs, together with core support from the state, allows us to deliver a top-ranked engineering education to a group of talented students that reflects Florida’s diversity.”
“Northrop Grumman works closely with several colleges and universities, including Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and Florida State University College of Engineering, on numerous science, technology, education and math initiatives,” said Bryan M. Mahoney, vice president, global manufacturing and St. Augustine Center of Excellence Leader, Northrop Grumman. “This recognition is really a reflection of the dedication by many Northrop Grumman employees who spend considerable time developing, motivating and inspiring the next-generation workforce that is critical for industry and for U.S. competitiveness.”
Facts about the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The system has 12 universities and more than 341,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the system’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the system’s chief executive. For more, visit flbog.edu, think-florida.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
