Cincinnati State Introduces Renewable Energy Major

BY MIKE BOYER | MBOYER@ENQUIRER.COM

During a tour last year of the EarthConnection, a learning center at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Delhi Township retrofitted with solar heating panels and other energy-efficient equipment, Larry Feist was struck by all the electro-mechanical controls they required.

"There were all sorts of motors and controllers and variable-speed drives," said Feist, who was named chairman in April 2006 of the electro-mechanical engineering program at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in Clifton.

Charged with boosting program enrollment, which has dwindled to about 60 to 70 students, Feist saw an opportunity.

Next month, that opportunity becomes a reality as Cincinnati State introduces the first major in renewable-energy technology approved by the Ohio Board of Regents.

There are a handful of other programs in Ohio aimed at training installers in energy-efficient products, but those are targeted workforce-development efforts.

The program is built around Cincinnati State's two-year associate's degree in electro-mechanical engineering technology. Feist, a Cincinnati State grad, sees it preparing graduates to work in renewable-energy manufacturing and equipment installation and performing energy audits. It also will provide a pathway to bachelor's degrees in either electro-mechanical or chemical engineering.

The program, which includes courses in the electronics of energy systems, basic energy efficiency and audits, fuel cells and solar and wind devices, also offers a one-year certificate program for engineers and technicians who want to broaden their skills.

Cincinnati Enquirer, August 20, 2007