Without a coordinated approach between business and higher education, state and industry leaders say, Connecticut’s advanced manufacturing sector could lose out to competitors.
University of St. Joseph President Rhona Free and University of Hartford President Gregory Woodward lead West Hartford-based private universities that have faced similar issues: Both are working to boost enrollment; they’ve signed off on new campus buildings; and have made news with their sports programs, albeit for different reasons.
Nursing is the most popular field for incoming students at the University of Hartford, and technology and business are also popular at Connecticut universities.
With significant and growing statewide demand for manufacturing engineers in Connecticut, the University of Hartford has introduced a new bachelor’s degree program that aims to supply a new generation of talent for firms ranging from small supply chain shops to Fortune 500 companies.
UHart’s aerospace engineering program the first of its kind in Connecticut and just the fourth in New England has already caught the attention of East Hartford jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney, which has partnered with the school in various ways. It has also worked with NASA.