Groundbreaking for the New Engineering Student-Centered Collaborative Building

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette recently broke ground on the College's new engineering student-centered collaborative building. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in the university's commitment to advancing engineering education, research, and workforce development.

The College of Engineering's cutting-edge collaborative building will be the nucleus for an engineering innovation ecosystem and home of the newly established Engineering Center of Excellence (ECoE) for student success. From a state-of-the-art makerspace on the first floor, empowering students to bring their ideas to life, to the collaboratorium leading to the second-floor collaboration studio and tech tank terrace, fostering interdisciplinary connections, ECoE is designed for limitless creativity. But it's not just about spaces—it's about opportunities. The heart of ECoE, the Bridge on the third floor, is where growth happens. Huddle rooms facilitate vibrant discussions, tutoring rooms offer tailored academic support, and tranquil study rooms provide a haven for focused learning. Our commitment to enhancing the college experience doesn't stop within our walls. ECoE is a hub of enriching activities and programs, including the Engineering Innovation Program, the Dean’s Certificate for Leadership and Innovation, career development programs, industry partnership programs, the Continuing Engineering Education Program for workforce development, a study abroad program, and a range of other initiatives with the makerspace being the largest endeavor. Our state-of-art makerspace will not only be a hub for creativity, it will also foster a community of learners and innovators that will lead the college’s efforts in bridging the skills gap between academia and industry.

“ECoE is not just a center, it’s a dynamic movement and a bold vision,” said Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering. “ECoE is where education meets innovation, and students forge the path to solve the challenges of the future. In a world where the gap between engineering education and workforce demands is a growing concern, ECoE stands as a beacon of transformation. Imagine a space where students don't just learn, but also connect, create, and collaborate,” continued Khattab.

The College of Engineering is committed to excellence in education, research, and workforce development. The new engineering building will reflect priorities and aspirations that match our Ragin’ Cajun pride and over the coming decades will contribute to student success.

Located in the west end of campus in the new “STEM Quad,” its design reflects the innovation and technology that will be seen inside, while complementing the existing campus.  The new engineering collaborative building will be located near Rougeou and Madison Halls, the college’s two engineering buildings.  The new construction will augment a transforming renovation to Madison Hall.  As a whole, the improvements represent an investment in the strategic growth of campus and coincide with the college’s evolving innovative approach to education, research, and workforce development.

We are building more than a building—we are building a legacy of innovative engineers and engineering technologists who will bridge the gap between education and industry seamlessly.

View more information about the new student-centered collaborative building on the University's website here→