ISU dedicated the Center for Renewable Energy to meet the education and research needs of the nation's growing renewable energy industry.
Associate Professor of economics David Loomis serves as the center's director. Associate directors of the center include Instructional Assistant Professor of technology David Kennell and Professor of agricultural economics Randy Winter.
"There is a growing interest [in renewable energy] nationally," Winter said. "Oregon, New York and Iowa already have programs."
According to a press release, faculty members are brought together in order to support the university's renewable energy major, which includes technology, agriculture and economic courses.
The center coordinates education, outreach and research efforts on wind, solar and biofuel, as well as other alternative energy sources.
The center also coordinates an advisory board of industry experts, brings energy experts to campus for seminars, funds scholarships and facilitates an internship program for students in the major.
"Students can get experience [through use of the center's operations]," Winter said. "Members of the center can be helpful or students can find their own internships."
The ISU Board of Trustees approved the center in November 2007 followed by the Illinois Board of Higher Education in August 2008.
The U.S. Department of Energy established the center with a grant.
Founding members include State Farm Insurance, Suzlon Wind Energy Corp. and Horizon Wind Energy LLC.
"The new center will provide students not only with educational opportunities, but through its connections? with corporate sponsors, will open pathways to internships and? employment," President Al Bowman said.
