Facts and Highlights
College data
History of the college
The history of the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering reflects more than a century of growth, innovation and service. The college traces its roots to the late 1800s, when engineering education began as “mechanic arts” within the Kansas State Agricultural College, focused on practical skills to support the state’s agricultural and industrial needs. Over time, these early programs evolved into a formal engineering college, expanding in response to changing workforce demands, advances in technology and the university’s land-grant mission. Today, the college builds on that legacy by combining a strong foundation in hands-on, applied learning with modern research and industry engagement, continuing its tradition of preparing engineers to solve real-world challenges.
Awards and recognition
University Engineering Initiative Act
The University Engineering Initiative Act, or UEIA, was created to increase the number of engineering graduates in the state of Kansas to 1,365 per year by 2021. The goal for the Carl. R. Ice College of Engineering was 587 graduates per year by 2021. The initiative directed the secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce to work with the Kansas Board of Regents, as well as Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, to develop a plan to target engineering education efforts to fuel economic growth and business success in Kansas.



