By Joy Vann

Old Dominion strengthened its collaboration and partnership with Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) with the opening of the new NNS office located in the University’s Engineering Systems building on Oct. 4.

NNS President Jennifer Boykin and ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., participated in a ribbon-cutting event to open the new office and highlight the synergy between academia and industry. The office will support engineering, business, technology, modeling and simulation and student engagement.

The office builds upon the 2023 announcement of NNS as the lead industry sponsor of the Monarch Accelerator Program to Engineering (MAP-to-E) aimed at increasing the number of engineering and engineering technology majors and degrees, particularly for underrepresented and underserved communities in Hampton Roads.

“Newport News Shipbuilding is proud to team with Old Dominion University on the professional development of students – not just in engineering, but university-wide,” said Boykin. “Our close bond demonstrates the impact of industry-education partnerships. Together, we are creating opportunities for future problem solvers, innovators and leaders. We are bolstering our vibrant Hampton Roads community and we are uniting to help our sailors protect our way of life.”

Prior to the event, President Hemphill said he was thrilled to welcome Newport News Shipbuilding, a long-time partner, to campus.

“A tremendous resource for our students in engineering, business and supply chain and maritime operations, this office is a true reflection of the manner in which academic and industry partners can thoughtfully and successfully build strong collaborations and synergies to drive economic growth, energize the shipbuilding industry and shape the future workforce of Hampton Roads,” Hemphill said. “This important work is a testament to the commitment and vision of President Boykin and her team, as well as the dedication and expertise of our faculty, researchers and staff.”

The new office allows ODU students to connect directly with NNS regarding internships, co-ops and full-time employment opportunities, as well as professional development and mentoring.

More than 22% of the engineering workforce at NNS are graduates of Old Dominion University. The shipyard also sponsors the NNS Scholars program which endows academic scholarships awarded annually to qualified junior, senior and graduate students studying engineering, business or computer science.

Shane Athey-Strayer, president of Old Dominion’s Student Propeller Club, introduced Boykin. Noting that he had benefited from both a NNS scholarship and internship, he said that he understood the importance of academic and industry partnerships.

“It plays a crucial role in our experience as students and future professionals. My time at NNS provided me with valuable opportunities for hands on learning, networking and gaining insight into real world application of what I learned in the classroom,” he said.

Rob Gies, an associate technical fellow at NNS who earned his mechanical engineering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at Old Dominion, oversees the new office as the NNS engineering professional in residence.