The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is celebrating two significant wins for its Industrial Technology Management & Applied Engineering program. The first is the program’s reaccreditation through 2031, and the second is UAPB students majoring in the program placing first in a highly competitive case competition.
The reaccreditation was granted in October by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering, which held its fall conference Oct. 22-24 in Memphis. The students claimed first place during an inaugural association Student Case Competition, according to a news release.
The winning team, known as the Golden Lions, included Glenn Barnes III, Charlston Colen, Thurman Shaw, Braelyn Starks and Emoni Williams. They are under the guidance of Charles R. Colen Jr., faculty advisor, professor and chair of UAPB’s ITMAE Department, and Grant Wangila, UAPB’s interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
Colen shared what receiving the latest accreditation from the association means.
“Earning the Association of Technology Management & Applied Engineering reaccreditation for over 30 years is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in technology management and applied engineering education,” Colen said. “This milestone reflects more than three decades of continuous improvement, innovation, and dedication to preparing our students for leadership in a rapidly changing world. We believe our department is ‘Where Opportunity Meets Success!'”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The association is a leading accrediting body for technology, management and applied engineering programs in the United States. The program sets itself apart by bridging the gap between engineering and management, according to its website.
ATMAE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. It emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with a dual focus on technical skills and management expertise, making its graduates desirable to employers. This recognition confirms that the association meets the council’s quality assurance standards in its accreditation of associate, baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in technology, management and applied engineering.
“As a CHEA-recognized accreditor, ATMAE ensures that accredited programs meet the highest standards of quality and rigor. ATMAE-accredited programs emphasize hands-on, practical learning, equipping graduates with both technical and managerial expertise. This dual focus prepares students to excel in applied technology, advanced management, and engineering environments, providing them with a well-rounded and industry-relevant education,” a description on the website reads.
STUDENT CASE COMPETITION
Highlighting the level of difficulty of the student case competition, Colen said that student teams from across the nation were challenged to solve a complex case study involving a real-world business crisis.
“Students were tasked with developing a comprehensive strategic and financial response plan to address a multitude of operational, supply chain, and economic problems impacting a growing company,” Colen said. “UAPB’s team impressed judges with their innovative problem-solving, financial analysis, and presentation skills. Their solution, titled ‘The Busy Baby Breakthrough,’ offered a multi-stage strategy integrating short-term actions, long-term manufacturing solutions, and financial resilience planning. The team emphasized creative approaches to global operations, cost management, and market expansion, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and professional insight.”
Wangila gave insight into the universities that UAPB students faced in competition.
“The case study competition was equally impressive. Our students competed against major institutions such as Purdue and others and excelled, earning first place. Their performance was outstanding and a true testament to the caliber of students we have at UAPB. Recognizing and supporting the ITMAE faculty members who have mentored these students is equally paramount, as their dedication, guidance, and leadership clearly contributed to this remarkable success,” Wangila said.
Colen underscored the significance of the students’ victory.
“This accomplishment reflects the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our students. They represented UAPB and our ITMAE program with excellence and professionalism,” he said.
UAPB Provost Andrea Stewart commemorated faculty, staff, and students.
“I appreciate and congratulate ITMAE’s faculty and staff, under the leadership of Dr. Colen, for this outstanding outcome of achieving accreditation status through 2031,” Stewart said. “Of course, with golden pride, we give accolades to our esteemed students for achieving first prize in the student case competition.”
The department is preparing students for the future, according to Colen.
“The Department of Industrial Technology Management and Applied Engineering at UAPB continues to prepare students for leadership roles in manufacturing, construction, supply chain, logistics, robotics, design, electronics, quality, project management, engineering management, and industrial operations through hands-on learning, innovation, and industry engagement,” Colen said.
