N.C. State cut the ribbon to the Biotech Research Center Wednesday with the dedication featuring the governor, the UNC System President and even our very own chancellor. While this is a great day for the advancement of our University, it’s important that the focus of the center not stray from students.
According to the NCSU Web site, there are 60 corporate or governmental units that have a partnership with our Centennial Campus. BTEC will be the newest addition to the valuable resources that we presently have on Centennial.
Having corporate and governmental partnerships is beneficial to this University by increasing its exposure throughout many different sectors, increasing its ability to raise money and allowing its students to get real-life experiences right here on our campus.
It’s these experiences for students that the University should be careful not to overlook when it comes to the present and future plans. Students at our University routinely get overlooked in favor of those who have deep pockets or can make a contribution in another form.
The BTEC Research Center is a way to reverse this unfortunate trend. Students should be pushed to the forefront, and researchers should give their time to them. Having classes in the center is a good start for putting students first. The University should not just limit these interactions to biotechnology students but other majors and courses that have it as a component — such as technology education and veterinary sciences.
By making this center’s resources available to the entire campus community, students can get the most out of what could be a remarkable partnership. Students should feel welcome to this center, and student organizations should take advantage of the professionals that are employed there by getting them to speak and aid their organizations.
NCSU is on the path to achieve. The presence of the BTEC Research Center on Centennial Campus is going to play a part in taking our University to the next level. However, we can’t lose students along the path.
