Highlights:
- Newport News Shipbuilding opens a new onsite office at Old Dominion University to strengthen industry-academia partnerships.
- The collaboration aims to enhance student opportunities in engineering, technology, and business while supporting underrepresented communities.
- With over 22% of its engineering workforce comprising ODU graduates, NNS reinforces its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals.
Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), a division of HII, is enhancing its partnership with Old Dominion University (ODU) by establishing an onsite office within the ODU Engineering Systems building. This new facility was inaugurated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by NNS President Jennifer Boykin and ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., highlighting the collaboration aimed at bridging academia and industry.
The opening of the NNS office signifies a commitment to fostering relationships that enhance educational and professional opportunities for students, particularly in engineering, technology, modeling, and simulation. Both leaders emphasized the importance of such partnerships in shaping the future of shipbuilding and addressing workforce needs in the maritime industry.
"Newport News Shipbuilding is proud to team with Old Dominion University on the professional development of students — not just in engineering, but university-wide," said Boykin. She underscored the vital role of these collaborations in creating opportunities for future problem solvers and innovators. The partnership aims to empower students, especially from underrepresented communities, reinforcing the mission to bolster the local Hampton Roads community.
This initiative builds on NNS's previous commitment as the lead industry sponsor of the Monarch Accelerator Program to Engineering (MAP-to-E), launched in 2023. This program focuses on increasing the number of engineering and engineering technology majors, particularly among underserved populations in the region, thereby strengthening the pipeline of talent entering the workforce.
Dr. Hemphill expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "This office is a tremendous resource for our students in engineering, business, and supply chain operations." He highlighted the synergy between ODU and NNS as a powerful example of how academic and industry partnerships can drive economic growth and energize the shipbuilding sector. This cooperation reflects the dedication of both institutions to develop a skilled workforce tailored to the evolving demands of the industry.
The new office serves as a direct link for ODU students to engage with NNS, providing access to internship, co-op, and full-time employment opportunities. It will also facilitate professional development and mentoring programs, essential for students preparing to enter a competitive job market. Notably, over 22% of the engineering workforce at NNS comprises ODU graduates, underscoring the effectiveness of their educational programs.
Additionally, NNS supports the NNS Scholars program, which awards scholarships to qualified junior, senior, and graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, business, or computer science. This initiative not only alleviates financial burdens for students but also nurtures the next generation of professionals equipped to tackle the challenges in the shipbuilding industry.
As the partnership between Newport News Shipbuilding and Old Dominion University deepens, both organizations are poised to make significant strides in shaping the future workforce of Hampton Roads and beyond. This collaboration is not just about addressing current workforce needs; it is about inspiring a new generation of leaders ready to innovate and excel in the maritime sector.