LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23. 2026) — The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky is expanding opportunities for students across the Commonwealth by launching four new transfer pathways from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) into its Lean Systems Engineering Technology (LST) bachelor’s degree program.
“Broadening access to four-year degrees will prepare more of our students for employment and career success,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “Creating seamless transfer pathways with partners like the University of Kentucky ensures that KCTCS is doing its part to improve the employability and quality of life of the citizens of the Commonwealth and to bolster the state’s workforce.” The pathways — designed in collaboration with KCTCS — create clear, streamlined paths for students who complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree to continue their education at UK.
This effort builds on the 2021 launch of the Fujio Cho Department of Engineering Technology, made possible through a $2.25 million gift from Toyota, which established UK’s engineering technology programs in partnership with Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC).
“At the University of Kentucky, we know we can do more for our state when we work with partners who share our mission — to advance Kentucky. Together, we can leverage our strengths and expand access across the state to critical opportunities like engineering education, preparing more Kentucky students to meet the urgent workforce needs of our advanced manufacturing industries.” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “Our partnership with KCTCS is a testament to the power of collaboration, and we look forward to what we will continue to make possible, together.”
The LST program prepares students to thrive in a highly competitive global marketplace and provide the skills necessary to improve quality output, streamline processes and reduce waste.
“The demand for increasingly advanced skills in manufacturing requires expanding the engineering pipeline,” said Nelson Akafuah, Ph.D., chair of the Fujio Cho Department of Engineering Technology. “In the ever-evolving world of manufacturing — where manufacturers must connect, predict and adapt to transition from developing products to engineering experiences — a unique skill set in continuous improvement and creative problem-solving is needed.”
The curriculum includes classroom instruction and lab experiences, which builds upon UK Pigman Engineering’s more than 31-year partnership with Toyota. LST students benefit from professional instructors, some of whom are former Toyota executives.
LST students spend their first years earning their AAS degree in integrated engineering technology at BCTC’s Georgetown campus, before working toward their bachelor’s degree at UK’s main campus.
Strengthening Kentucky’s workforce
Each of the new pathways is designed to reduce barriers for students pursuing four-year engineering degrees, while also responding to the demand for highly skilled professionals in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector.
“By creating more feeder-completer programs with KCTCS, we’re ensuring that motivated students in every corner of the state can see themselves completing an engineering degree,” said Rudy Buchheit, Ph.D., the Dr. Rebecca Burchett Liebert Dean of the Pigman College of Engineering. “This is good for students, good for industry and good for Kentucky’s future.”
Students interested in transferring can receive one-on-one advising through the UK Transfer Center and are encouraged to review UK’s transfer requirements and KCTCS to UK transfer resources.
For more information about the Department of Engineering Technology and the Lean Systems Engineering Technology degree, visit the Pigman College of Engineering website.
Jens Hannemann (center), assistant professor for computer engineering technology, talks to students in the Computer Engineering Technology-Automotive Computing Lab at UK. Mark Cornelison | UK Photo
Jens Hannemann (center), assistant professor for computer engineering technology, talks to students about Toyota Camry technology in the Computer Engineering Technology-Automotive Computing Lab at UK. Mark Cornelison | UK Photo
A student works inside a car as part of UK's Computer Engineering Technology-Automotive Computing Lab. Mark Cornelison | UK Photo
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
