UM Engineering Partners with Jackson Prep

The University of Mississippi School of Engineering and Jackson Preparatory School are partnering to offer pre-engineering curriculum to students in the Jackson-area school.
Beginning in August, students will be able to enroll in dual-credit courses taught at Jackson Prep that can earn them college credit. Students can take ENGR 207, a computer graphics course, during the fall semester. Introduction to Engineering, ENGR 100, will be taught in spring 2015.
“The purpose of the initiative comes from an effort to stimulate science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in the state of Mississippi and encourage more students to pursue degrees in these fields at the college level,” said Alex Cheng, dean of the UM engineering school.
The courses will be taught by Marsha Hobbs, a Jackson Prep faculty member, in close collaboration with UM faculty. Additionally, UM faculty will provide guest lectures and students will have opportunities to visit the Oxford campus.
“This course will more formally incorporate engineering education into the Prep curriculum, while providing our students with new higher education opportunities and resources,” Hobbs said.
ENGR 207 introduces students to microcomputer-based sketching and drafting, interpretation of graphics, flow, and circuit diagrams, graphical representation of data. ENGR 100 provides students with an introduction to the problem-solving methods that engineers use when applying scientific principles for the creation of realistic solutions to everyday technical problems.
“Courses at Prep will mirror the courses at Ole Miss each semester, so that students at both campuses can have the same educational experience,” said Ryan Upshaw, assistant dean for student services in the engineering school. “The courses are meant to give students a better sense and understanding of the opportunities and careers available to them if they earn a degree in engineering or a related field. They will also help them identify if their interests and skills are a good fit for the field.”
Founded in 1900, the UM School of Engineering has been educating engineers for more than 110 years, is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology and offers seven degree programs. Officials hope to develop partnerships with other schools throughout the state to continue to expand opportunities to expand STEM education in Mississippi.
Founded in 1970, Jackson Preparatory School was the first and continues to be the largest secondary independent school in the Jackson metropolitan area. Established as a premier coeducational college preparatory day school for grades six through 12, it has exhibited more than four decades of excellence in education and has produced more National Merit semifinalists and finalists than any other school in Mississippi.
For more information, contact the School of Engineering at 662-915-7407.
–Edwin Smith, Ole Miss News Desk