Thibodaux – J. Ray McDermott recently donated $7,000 to support the manufacturing engineering technology program at Nicholls State University and its students.

            Dr. George Watt, associate professor and director of the manufacturing engineering technology program, said $4,000 will be dedicated to student scholarships. The remaining $3,000 will be used for program expenses.

            “McDermott has been one of our industry partners from the beginning of the program. They were one of the businesses that initially requested the program and helped us to develop it. They’ve been very supportive throughout the entire process,” Watt said.

            Program advisory board member Rick Johnson, division chief engineering manager at McDermott and a graduate of the Nicholls program, said, “McDermott is proud to have assisted in developing this program and proud to help it continue to grow. There is a strong need in this region for these individuals. We’ve hired a number of recent graduates and been very pleased with their grasp of professional knowledge. With additional scholarships and support funds, the program can recruit even more students.”

            The four-year degree program to prepare students for middle- to upper-level careers in the manufacturing and fabrication industries was established at Nicholls in 2000 to meet the needs of local businesses. The Louisiana Board of Regents decided in 2006 to terminate the program, but reversed their decision last week due to strong industry support and after an independent consultant recommended by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology found the program viable and capable of gaining accreditation within two years.