College of Engineering to Establish Student Enrichment Fund

June 30, 2025 | Hannah Buchanan

The UT Tyler College of Engineering received a $100,000 commitment from Dr. Ken Gibbs to help establish a student enrichment fund for the college’s electrical and computer engineering department at both the Tyler and Houston campuses.

Funds distributed from the permanent endowment will directly support COE student enrichment experiences. These include capstone projects, undergraduate research and competitions sponsored by professional societies like ASCE Concrete Canoe, Chem-E Car, SAE Formula E, IEEE Robotics and AISC/ASEE Steel Bridge.

“We are grateful to Dr. Gibbs and thank him for his generosity and support of student success,” said Dr. Javier Kypuros, COE dean. “This endowment will facilitate the College’s goal to provide every graduate with multiple student enrichment experiences.”

A retired adjunct professor, Gibbs has had a professional career in the aerospace industry with an extensive background in electrical and computer engineering. He volunteers with the senior capstone projects for electrical and computer engineering students.

“I understand the importance of supporting senior design. I think when we give to this kind of fund, we’re helping to create the future through the students we help,” Gibbs said. “This helps the students and the university.”

Officials plan to launch the fund by 2027.

For more information or to help advance the college and/or its departments, contact Dr. Gary Bouse, director of development and stewardship, at: gbouse@uttyler.edu.