BSC Electrical Engineering Technology Program Receives Substantial Equipment Donation from American Electric Power

                Bluefield State College’s Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) students will benefit significantly through the addition of “real world” test equipment, courtesy of American Electric Power (AEP) and its operating companies, Appalachian Power and Kentucky Power.

                The donations of Wireless Telecommunications Systems Analyzers and Wireless Radio Equipment will be used in the BSC EET laboratory, permitting Bluefield State students to receive training that will enhance their preparation for careers in Wireless Technology upon their graduation.

                “American Electric Power has supported our program for many years,” noted James Pruett, BSC Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology.  “Several of their employees serve on our program’s Industrial Advisory Board, and AEP has also sponsored working internships for our students and made vitally important equipment donations.”

                Nelson Linkous, AEP IT Telecommunication Lead Field Engineer, is an adjunct instructor at BSC with more than 14 years’ teaching experience.  “This equipment donation will create a “Real Life” work environment that will prepare BSC students for careers in the wireless telecommunications industry,” Linkous explained. 

Through the establishment of an Industrial Advisory Board several years ago, the BSC School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science has cultivated partnerships with industry leaders that resulted in corporate donations that have benefited the College, its students, and industry.  “Roy Pruett, BSC Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology, was instrumental in the growth of these partnerships,” Linkous said.

                “We are pleased to again have an opportunity to support Bluefield State College and its students,” commented Ronn Robinson, External Affairs Manager for Appalachian Power.  “With the donation of this electrical equipment, AEP is providing BSC students with current, beneficial technology—instrumentation that gives them hands-on experience with equipment they will use in an industrial setting.”  He noted that Bluefield State has a track record of producing quality graduates who now have positions with AEP.

                “This is a tremendous partnership that’s been beneficial to all involved,” Robinson said.