State grant enhances opportunities for engineering students
Grant provides students easier access to licensing exam and a prep course, national travel to competitions and new lab equipment.
By Janel Shoun-Smith | 615-966-7078 |
Students in the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering will benefit this year thanks to a state grant awarded to defray costs of preparing for and taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, travelling to engineering competitions and purchasing lab supplies and equipment.
The almost $20,000 grant from the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners, a part of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI), will fund the use of an FE exam prep course, pay for students’ dues to professional societies and allow them to more easily participate in contests such as the concrete canoe, Baja off-road vehicle and steel bridge building competitions.
“Our college requires all graduating seniors to take the FE exam as an enabling step in the path to licensure,” said David Elrod, dean of the College of Engineering. “The college commits to reimbursing a portion of the exam cost to all students who take the FE prep course, and if they pass the FE exam, the college reimburses the total exam cost.”
“Passing the FE exam is a required step toward licensure as a Professional Engineer, who to take on significant responsibility as the qualified professional signing off on the safety and effectiveness of engineering projects. Professional Engineers are essential to society and play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the public,” he said.
The grant will also help the college navigate the changing waters of today’s economy, which has caused significant price fluctuation of materials needed in the college labs, said Elrod.
In addition, the grant is needed as many of Lipscomb’s student engineering teams are reaching new heights and qualifying for national competitions, requiring more expensive travel, said Elrod.
“Our Concrete Canoe team has been one of several teams that have benefitted from support through the grant funds,” said Elrod. “That team has won the ASCE Regional Competitions for four years in a row allowing our teams to compete at the national level. Our students learn a lot from participation in those competitions and we are proud to have them represent Lipscomb at the national level.
“We truly appreciate the work of the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners. Their diligence in overseeing the work of these critical skills and their support toward preparing a next generation of practitioners is invaluable."
The Board of Examiners awarded $400,000 in grants to 19 programs at 13 Tennessee universities for 2026. Through the Board, the state sets standards for the education, experience, and performance of those who wish to practice these professions.
“The Board is dedicated to upholding the state’s licensing standards in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans,” said Board Executive Director Glenn Kopchak. “The Board’s grant program helps provide valuable programs, training, and equipment for future professionals who will call Tennessee home.”
The Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers is part of TDCI's Division of Regulatory Boards, which licenses and regulates over 357,000 Tennesseans in their professions and businesses through 26 regulatory programs including the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Cosmetology & Barber Examiners Board, the Detection Services Licensing Program, the Board for Licensing Contractors, and more.