MARIETTA, OHIO —Washington State College of Ohio’s Dean of Engineering and Business George Bilokonsky received an award from the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition (AOMC) in recognition of his leadership and dedication to improving and advancing the engineering program at the college.
AOMC is a coalition of business, education, social services, and community leaders focused on aligning the learning system with the needs of the business community to support economic growth and high quality of life in the Southeast Ohio region. Its Board of Directors President Linn Yost presented Bilokonsky with the award during the organization’s quarterly meeting.
Under Bilokonsky’s leadership, WSCO’s engineering department now encompasses a range of programs including Advanced Manufacturing and Integration (formally called robotics & mechantronics), Electrical Engineering, Industrial Technology, and Cyber Security. It will serve as a training hub for manufacturing in the Mid-Ohio Valley and will be equipped to provide in-demand training not currently offered in this region. It will offer educational opportunities for degree and certificate-seeking students as well as incumbent workers seeking to upskill.
“Dean Bilokonsky and his team have done a tremendous job connecting Washington State with local industry partners to upgrade the curricula and align it with industry-recognized credentials as well as local workforce needs,” said WSCO President Dr. Vicky Wood. “The training we deliver, combined with the new, state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, provide our students with a world-class learning environment.”
This fall, following the completion of renovations and installation of new equipment in the engineering wing, the college will hold an official ribbon-cutting event to unveil the Advanced Manufacturing & Integration Center.