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NECE Announces Launch of Smart Grid Online Course
The Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence is proud to announce the launch of its first online course geared towards the areas of clean energy solutions and smart grid deployment. "Renewable Energy Sources and the Smart Grid" explores electricity production from various forms of renewable energy as well as the function, operation and vision of the smart grid. Designed to be an overview, the first course covers renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, ocean, biomass and geothermal, as well as a high-level look at smart grid challenges, benefits, technology needed, and the vital role of the consumer. "Smart grid and renewable energy is the wave of the future we'll see in dispatch, so learning more about the types of generation and power supply we may deal with soon was helpful," said Victor Kurywczak, master coordinator at PJM Interconnection, who recently completed the course. "I think everyone should be exposed to this course," he added. "It's not position or department specific. It provides a very good insight into alternatives in energy sources and to what the 'smart grid' is developing into." The first in a series of three, this course was developed by the National Energy Center of Excellence in collaboration with the Energy Providers Coalition for Education as part of a U.S. Department of Energy workforce training and development grant administered by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). The other two courses will be developed and delivered over the remainder of the three-year DOE grant project. All the courses require approximately 10 to 12 hours of time, and students can access these online courses anytime, anywhere. The courses are being developed to provide workforce preparedness training for thousands of employees of the DOE grant partners: Arizona Public Service; ComEd, an Exelon Company; JEA; Northeast Utilities Service Company; Oklahoma Gas and Electric; and PJM Interconnection. The American Public Power Association (APPA) and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), are providing additional support for the program. Several hundred company employees have already enrolled in the course, which is now available to any interested student for a fee. For more information on the course, visit this link: MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "r20.rs6.net" claiming to be http://info.bismarckstate.edu/energy/smartgrid/. |
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Want to be a part of the NECE Team? The following positions are now open:
- Electrical Transmission Systems Technology Instructor
- Petroleum Production Technology Instructor
- Renewable Generation Technology Instructor
- Power Plant and Process Plant Technology Classroom Instructor (part-time)
Visit our website for more information on these openings by clicking here: MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "r20.rs6.net" claiming to be http://www.bismarckstate.edu/employment/. |
Phil Padgett named ND Professor of the Year
Phil Padgett, an assistant professor at Bismarck State College, was selected 2010 North Dakota Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
Padgett was honored Nov. 18 with other state and national winners in Washington, D.C. at an awards luncheon and congressional reception.
U.S. Professors of the Year is the only national program to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring. Padgett was chosen from more than 300 top professors nationwide. Judges rated nominations by colleges in four areas:
· Impact on and involvement with students (25 percent)
· Scholarly approach to teaching and learning (25 percent)
· Contributions to education in the college, community and profession (25 percent)
· Support from colleagues and current and former students (25 percent).
Padgett was first hired in 2005 to design and develop online courses for launch of BSC's Nuclear Power Technology program. He also taught Nuclear Power courses and is now assistant professor, National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE) at BSC. Padgett additionally teaches Power Plant Technology courses on campus.
Testimonial letters from students, colleagues and NECE administrators supported Padgett's nomination. They describe his highly effective, innovative teaching methods, wide-ranging knowledge of the energy workplace, outstanding dedication to student learning, mentoring and coaching students on career topics, and hands-on approach that integrates "real life," one-on-one, role play and project-based teaching methods.
"Phil has been a key contributor to the success of BSC's energy programs," said Kari Knudson, vice president, NECE. "He has consistently engaged students and masterfully delivers instruction on technical topics."
With a colleague, Padgett used data from power plants and refineries coordinated with the U.S. government's Instructional Design System model, to standardize BSC's energy technology curriculum. The curriculum is now owned by BSC and directly supports people in the workplace.
Padgett had a 30-year career in the Navy. He graduated with a B.S. in marine engineering and naval architecture from the U.S. Naval Academy and has a master's degree in education from Idaho State University in human resource training and development. He has worked as a consultant in data base design and management and education curriculum. Padgett expects to complete a doctorate in teaching and learning in higher education at the University of North Dakota in 2011.
CASE and the Carnegie Foundation have offered the U.S. Professors of the Year awards program since 1981. This year, there are 46 state winners.
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Upcoming Events
Bismarck, ND
January 25-27, 2011
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The NECE - Meeting the needs of industry!!!
The NECE has recently been approved to offer a Petroleum Production Associate Degree program.
More information to come soon!! |
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Ready for a Career in the Energy Industry?
The NECE has openings available in the Process Plant and Renewable Generation Technology programs starting in January 2011!!!
Interested in enrolling? Contact us at 701.224.2594 or by email at Michael.M.Myers@bsc.nodak.edu. |
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Student Success Story
 While working with Chelan County Public Utilitiy District customers on their electrical questions and working with the weekly crew schedules, Jackie Tupling made a decision that she wanted to improve her work in the electrical areas. "I needed a more technical background to help me answer questions," Jackie said.
Being a mom, commuting over an hour each way to work, and helping her husband on their ranch, she thought that the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence's online education programs might be a good option. "I decided to give it a try, "Jackie said, and enrolled in the Electric Power Technology program. "I was very nervous about online classes at first, but it was a breeze after the first class. I put myself on the fast track, which was perfect with the way the courses were structured."
Maintaining a high grade was important to Jackie. She excelled at her school work and was on the Dean's List and President's List. She recalls sitting at home doing homework at the same time as her daughter, wanting to show that if mom can do it, so can you.
While she is not sure of her futures plans, Jackie happily states, "I'm very proud of this accomplishment. Now when I talk to the foremen, they say 'wow, you've learned a lot'. This program has helped broaden my knowledge base - making me a more valuable employee." |
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