It ranked No.2 overall for Best Regional Colleges in the West.
Karlsson said expansion proposals were prompted by the increasing enrollment on the Prescott campus. This fall, enrollment is approaching 3,200. In 2020, enrollment was 3,004; and in 2019, enrollment was 2,946. Those numbers include both undergraduate and graduate students.
Major multi-million construction needs being considered include a new residence hall and demolition of the existing student union building and construction of a new one. Karlsson said these two facilities currently are being considered by the ERAU Board of Trustees.
It was noted the consistent high national ranking of the ERAU-Prescott campus by U.S. News & World Report created positive visibility and attraction for the campus. This past month, the magazine rated the Prescott campus as “No. 1 in the Nation Best College for Veterans.”
It ranked No.2 overall for Best Regional Colleges in the West.
Its engineering program also received high marks nationally: No. 7 best undergraduate program in electrical engineering; No. 11 for best undergraduate program in mechanical engineering; No. 14 for best undergraduate program in computer engineering.
College of Engineering Dean Ron Madler said growth in that college was such that a new aeronautical complex and a propulsion laboratory are under consideration.
Representatives from the Department of Flight note that 35 new aircraft have been added to the ERAU fleet in order to accommodate the increasing number of students training to become pilots. Approximately 900 students are taking pilot training.
The Golden Eagle Flight Team, which won its 13th national championship last spring, now has 27 active members and is looking to add a third aircraft to its competition fleet of Cessna 150s.
The athletic program continues to grow with the addition of intercollegiate men’s baseball and other sports. In fact, ERAU will host the CAL-PAC conference volleyball championship. Interim Athletic Director Phil Hess said athletic facilities – both indoor and outdoor – need major upgrading.
Steve Bobinsky, executive director of philanthropy, reported that five philanthropy councils had been formed, with local community members to assist the university by serving as ambassadors in creating public awareness of projects for which support was needed. More details about those councils are available through Bobinsky at bobinb97@erau.edu or by calling 928 777-4210. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
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