The university is located a short drive from Boeing, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Vans facilities, Joint Base Charleston, Naval Information Warfare Center (NWIC) Atlantic, and the defense ecosystem surrounding, and more, providing exceptional opportunities for collaboration in mechanical engineering research, innovation, and student experiential learning. The addition of Mechanical Engineering represents a major strategic initiative for the College and aligns with opportunities for expanding collaboration with the substantial manufacturing base in Charleston, regional engineering activities, and South Carolina's growing automotive, aerospace, energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing industries.