ExxonMobil Corporation recently announced that Louisiana Tech University is among 85 colleges and universities throughout the nation that has received a total of $2 million in academic grants as part of ExxonMobil’s University Grant Program. Louisiana Tech received a total of $25,000 with the Computer Information Systems Department in the College of Business receiving $3,000 and the College of Engineering and Science receiving $22,000 for its civil engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science programs. Dean of the College of Engineering and Science, Dr. Stan A. Napper, says these funds are vitally important. “The grants allow the departments to allocate money for various educational purposes including scholarships, field trips, visiting speakers, equipment purchases and student and faculty travel.” Dr. James R. Lumpkin, Dean of the College of Business added, “This gift to the Computer Information Systems department is important to keep the educational efforts on the cutting edge. We want our graduates to be able to make an immediate contribution in the workplace. Gifts such as these enhance our ability to provide the required educational experience.” Truman Bell, Senior Program Officer for Education and Diversity for ExxonMobil agrees.  “Supporting higher education has always been a strong priority for ExxonMobil.  This program enables us to provide funding to colleges and universities who play a pivotal role in preparing students to enter the workforce.  We are proud to provide support to Louisiana Tech University.” Louisiana Tech University promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in every college.  The College of Business and the College of Engineering and Science work together regularly through the activities of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Information Technology, the Enterprise Center, the Top Dawg Business Plan, and joint educational opportunities (e.g. Entrepreneurship courses, MBA and M.S. in Engineering and Technology Management).  The College of Business is accredited among the top 15% of business schools in the US, and the College of Engineering and Science is one of 14 universities affiliated with the National Academy of Engineering (through its Center for the Advancement of Scholarship on Engineering Education). Written by Catherine Fraser – cfraser@latech.edu