This past winter the Zollner Engineering Center at Indiana Tech completed a significant transformation through a major renovation, heralding not only a revitalized physical space but also a profound shift in its engagement with industry partnerships.
The history of the Zollner Engineering Center can be traced back to 1958 when it was first known as the Dana Science Building, where the west wing of the center still stands today. Thanks to a generous donation from the
Fred Zollner Foundation, the building underwent a substantial expansion and renovation in 2002, effectively doubling its size. This marked the inception of what we now know as the Zollner Engineering Center.
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The Zollner Center is equipped with state-of-the-art lab spaces and cutting-edge equipment, the center facilitates research, product development, and prototyping projects across a diverse range of fields.Back then, Indiana Tech was a college focused solely on engineering degrees. In the decades since, the school now has three colleges: the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Business. Currently, 1,500 students attend the main campus, with an additional 4,000 who learn online.
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Currently, 1,500 students attend Indiana Tech's main campus, with an additional 4,000 who learn online.As the Indiana Tech student body and program offerings both grew steadily over the years, the school decided to embark on another significant expansion nearly twenty years later.
The project took about two and a half years to complete and culminated in the creation of a cutting-edge facility spanning over 70,000 square feet. The project was funded by an investment of nearly $22 million from the university and augmented by generous contributions from alumni and organizations like the
Don Wood Foundation and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The revamped center includes state-of-the-art labs, high-tech classrooms, and collaborative spaces designed to foster innovation and creativity. Other notable additions include automation and robotics labs, a biomedical engineering lab, and facilities dedicated to disciplines such as microbiology, forensics, and organic chemistry.
Furthermore, the expanded space opens doors to new programs in STEM fields, ranging from certificate programs in additive manufacturing and battery management systems to a newly introduced master's degree in cybersecurity. Notably, Indiana Tech takes pride in its esteemed cyber defense team,
the Cyber Warriors, who have clinched numerous accolades, including 10 consecutive victories and 17 overall wins in Indiana state collegiate cyber defense competitions.
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The Cyber Warriors, who have clinched numerous accolades, including 10 consecutive victories and 17 overall wins in Indiana state collegiate cyber defense competitions.Those accolades have helped every member of the Cyber Warriors secure a job in their career field prior to graduation for the past five years. Additionally, as Indiana Tech’s reputation for producing top talent in the cybersecurity field grows, the school has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
The recent expansion and renovations underscore Indiana Tech’s mission to solidify its position as a premier engineering hub in Northeast Indiana.
The revitalized Zollner Center serves as a catalyst for collaboration between Indiana Tech and regional companies, organizations, and entrepreneurs. Equipped with state-of-the-art lab spaces and cutting-edge equipment, the center facilitates research, product development, and prototyping projects across a diverse range of fields. This inclusive approach transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that address the evolving needs of the region's industries.
In line with this vision, Indiana Tech has launched the
Northeast Indiana Center for Engineering (NICE), a pioneering initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry. The NICE acts as a conduit for aligning the university's resources—students, faculty, and facilities—with the demands of regional partners.
Looking ahead, Indiana Tech's aspirations extend beyond engineering to encompass all facets of its academic offerings. With a focus on talent attraction, development, and retention, the university aims to position itself as a go-to resource for industry partners seeking skilled professionals to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
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The Zollner Center is equipped with state-of-the-art lab spaces and cutting-edge equipment, the center facilitates research, product development, and prototyping projects across a diverse range of fields.
Indiana Tech’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications Brian Engelhart says Indiana Tech has seen rising demand from corporate partners for assistance with their talent attraction and development needs.
“For our students, they are getting real-world, hands-on experiences working on key projects for innovative companies. For corporations and entrepreneurs, they are gaining access to facilities, research and development services that are making a difference on their bottom line,” says Engelhart. “The regional economy here in Northeast Indiana benefits from both of these things.”