Advanced Technology Center Opens Doors to Nine Programs at LIT

4/17/2025

Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) held a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration for the Advanced Technology Center on April 15, 2025. The state-of-the-art center welcomes the addition of programs including mechatronics, plumbing, electrical technology, engineering and varied engineering technician programs including electronics, biomedical, computer, electromechanical and robotics and automation. 

The center provides innovative learning spaces to include lecture classrooms, technical labs, multi-purposed industrial training spaces, and a high bay area lab that mimics industry environments. 

The design and purpose was strategically planned in response to community needs. 

“In identifying the new programs that will be housed in the new center, we went to our industry partners as well as looking at the job growth trends in different areas. Some of the new programs are a direct result of requests from industry and/or students,” said Dr. Valerie Worry, Technology Department Chair. “Some of the programs are a result of looking at data and the trends for the next 10 years and responding to the projected worker shortages in those areas.”

The Advanced Technology Center is a expansion of an existing warehouse located next to the Tommy Williams buildings, totaling 15,000 square feet. The total project cost of the Advanced Technology Center is $6.6 million, which was made possible through a combination of funding sources: $2.6 million from the College’s Higher Education Funds (HEF) and $4 million from special appropriations allocated through the 88th Legislative Session in June 2023.

“The Advanced Technology Center marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for LIT and our community, as we continue to expand opportunities for education, innovation and workforce development,” said Dr. Sidney Valentine.

For more information on the Advanced Technology Center and the programs it houses, visit lit.edu/technology.