MTSU on WGNS: Applied Engineering Building, University College services, neuromarketing research

MTSU representatives appeared on WGNS Radio recently to talk about the benefits of the new Applied Engineering Building under construction, University College’s ongoing efforts to serve adult learners, and research in the emerging field of neuromarketing.

They appeared on the live “Action Line” program with host Scott Walker broadcast on FM 100.5, 101.9 and AM 1450 from the WGNS studio in downtown Murfreesboro. If you missed it, you can listen to a podcast of the July 17 program.

MTSU representatives appeared on the WGNS Radio “Action Line” program on July 17. The guests, from left in order of appearance, were Dr. Ken Currie, chair of the MTSU Department of Engineering Technology; Mark Murphy, coordinator of recruitment and corporate outreach for MTSU University College; and Dr. Gaia Rancati, assistant professor of marketing and neuromarketing in the Jones College of Business. (MTSU photo illustration by Jimmy Hart)

Guests included:

• Dr. Ken Currie, chair of the MTSU Department of Engineering Technology, who discussed the recent groundbreaking and ongoing construction of a new $74.8 million Applied Engineering Building.

The Department of Engineering Technology and School of Concrete and Construction Management will be next-door neighbors on the east side of campus in 2025 after sharing space in the Voorhies Engineering Technology Building for nearly 30 years.

MTSU officials broke ground June 20 on the building, which is scheduled to open in summer or fall of 2025. The nearly 90,000-square-foot Applied Engineering Building will be the new home to the renowned Mechatronics Engineering program and other Engineering Technology concentrations, providing students with the space, equipment and education to prepare for ever-changing careers.

• Mark Murphy, coordinator of recruitment and corporate outreach for MTSU University College, who discussed University College’s efforts toward developing corporate educational agreements and its ongoing flexible academic services geared toward helping adult learners earn a degree.

MTSU’s University College continues to enhance student educational opportunities, particularly those of working professionals seeking to enhance their skills through the flexible MTSU Online course options via the Adult Degree Completion Program.

The Applied Leadership degree is a popular choice for working adults looking for career advancement opportunities. University College wants to partner with companies to help train their workforce to become better leaders, and Murphy is looking to connect with HR professionals from businesses in Rutherford County.

• Dr. Gaia Rancati, assistant professor of marketing and neuromarketing in the Jones College of Business, who discussed her research and expertise about “neuromarketing,” which the Harvard Business Review defines as “the measurement of physiological and neural signals to gain insight into customers’ motivations, preferences, and decisions.”

Such research on neuromarketing, retailing, services marketing, and artificial intelligence is crucial for informing companies about the most effective way to market products to consumers.

Before switching careers to join academia, Rancati worked professionally for several years in the premium-luxury retail sector for international fashion companies such as Max Mara, Value Retail, and Louis Vuitton.

Students, faculty and staff who are interested in guesting on WGNS to promote their MTSU-related activities should contact Jimmy Hart, director of MTSU News and Media Relations, at 615-898-5131 or via email at jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu.