Bryan College has announced The Vogel School of Engineering will open its doors to students in the upcoming fall semester. The school is named for alumnus Brigadier General George B. Vogel who, with his wife Doris, provided a substantial gift for the new school.
Dr. Vogel graduated from Bryan College in 1958 and earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the Talbot School of Theology with additional course studies at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary. Dr. Vogel served as a chaplain in the National Guard for 36 years, with five years of active duty. Dr. Vogel continues his calling in ministry as chief of Chaplain Service at the Long Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Dr. Vogel was named the 2015 recipient of the Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Health’s Award for Excellence in Chaplaincy, The Lifetime Achievement Award. In May of 2015, George Vogel was honored with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Bryan College in recognition of his lifetime of ministry and service to his God and his country. He and his wife Doris have an adult daughter and teen-aged granddaughter.
“Bryan College provided a strong foundation for my career and service to my country,” said Dr. Vogel. “It was a life-changing experience that prepared me for my future. Doris and I are grateful for the work that continues on Bryan College’s campus. It’s an honor to be able to provide the funding for the School of Engineering and it’s very humbling to have it bear our name.”
The Vogel School of Engineering will be the third school within the College. Degrees offered within the School will include options in civil and mechanical engineering, and will feature a Biblical worldview curriculum with a missional focus. Students will gain expertise in their area of focus while learning how to utilize engineering as a way to share the Gospel and glorify God, said officials.
Part of the College’s “Making a Difference: Vision to Reality” initiative includes renovations to the third floor of Mercer Hall to provide additional classroom space and lecture halls. Other campus renovations will provide an additional makerspace for engineering students to apply their knowledge and skills to practical projects. The College is currently seeking partnerships with firms in the region to provide students with hands-on experience and internships.
Dr. Tom Marshall, P.E. will serve as dean of the School. He received a PhD in Engineering from the Oregon Institute of Science and Technology; an MS in Engineering from Loyola Marymont University; and, a BS in Engineering from Ohio State University. Dr. Marshall also received a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
"The Mission of the Vogel School of Engineering is Bible-based, academic excellence,” said Dr. Marshall. “Equipping our engineering graduates to solve problems and improve lives as ambassadors for Christ, building God's Kingdom to the ends of the earth; Engineering the Great Commission."
As a result of the addition of a third school, a national search has been launched to find a new provost to provide academic leadership and direction for the College.
Bryan College President Dr. Stephen Livesay said, “We are overjoyed with the blessings the Vogel School of Engineering will provide for our students. Educating students to become servants of Christ to make a difference in today’s world is our mission. The Vogel School of Engineering will further this mission and we couldn’t be more excited about what the Lord has for Bryan’s future.”