August 30, 2024 - Bluefield State University officials announced this evening the return of its esteemed Mining Engineering Technology program. After a hiatus of nearly a decade, the program has been reinstated to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the mining industry.

Dr. Darrin Martin, Interim President of Bluefield State University, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s return, stating, “We are thrilled to reintroduce the Mining Engineering Technology program at Bluefield State. This program has long been a cornerstone of our engineering offerings, and its revival is a testament to our dedication to fostering economic growth and providing valuable educational opportunities in our region.”

The announcement came during the Third Annual BSU/Pocahontas Royalties Scholarship Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction.  This year’s inductee is Keith Sigmon, a BSU alum and General Manager of Buchanan Mine with Coronado Coal.  He joins past inductees, long-time mining professor and Dean, the late Frank Hart, Warrior Met Coal COO, Jack Richardson, and Alpha Metallurgical Resources COO Jason Whitehead.  

The germ of this idea began two years ago when Bluefield State University Board of Governors member, Shannon Remines, and Mike Blackburn of Pocahontas Royalties, LLC were having dinner.  After bemoaning the need for trained engineers and the high regard for BSU alumni in that industry, the two decided to begin the effort to revive the program.

Hosting an Annual Scholarship Dinner provided the opportunity for university officials to forge relationships with industry leaders and supporters as well as celebrate the history of the program by introducing the Bluefield State University Mining and Engineering Hall of Fame.

The degree program was approved by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission late this past spring and university officials immediately began visiting area high schools and vocational and technical schools.  Armed with scholarships from coal companies, manufacturers, foundations, and individuals; the first class of future engineers has been assembled.

Bluefield State’s Vice President of Development Keith Olson, said the program comes at the perfect time.  “There are 14 accredited mining and mineral engineering degree programs across the country producing approximately 150 graduates, while there is an industry need for over 500 engineers each year.  Moreover, The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 27% of the current geoscience workforce will be retiring by 2029 creating the need for 130,000 fully trained workers to fill that gap.”  

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