Oklahoma State University is deepening its collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation with a new facility that will serve as a hands-on learning space for future engineers.

The $10 million building is aimed at enhancing the education of students in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology while supporting critical infrastructure work across the state.

Real-world experience for students

Civil engineering students at OSU will be able to work directly with ODOT professionals throughout their time in the program. The university says this initiative gives students a competitive edge and aligns with the state’s workforce development goals.

Once they graduate, those same students will also have the opportunity to transition into full-time roles at ODOT.

“This unique facility will also allow students to get hands-on experience working alongside ODOT engineers to maximize their education experience,” said Tim Gatz, executive director of ODOT. "This is a great example of the long-term partnership between ODOT and OSU and will be an asset to the state of Oklahoma, our private sector partners and OSU students for years to come."

Named in honor of Gary Ridley

The new center will be named after Gary Ridley, who served as Oklahoma’s secretary of transportation from 2009 to 2017 and as ODOT director from 2001 to 2013. Ridley’s decades of leadership and contributions to the state’s transportation infrastructure helped shape Oklahoma’s modern highway and road systems.

“For years, I’ve seen that relationship work well in different ways,” said Dan Cook, an associate professor in the Division of Engineering Technology. “So, this is symbolic, especially it being named after Gary Ridley, who’s done so much, not only for Oklahoma, but really creating and strengthening that partnership between OSU and ODOT. To me, it’s kind of a symbol of the very practical engineering aspects of the college with the state DOT for what that partnership will look like and continue to grow.”

Timeline and construction plans

OSU says construction is scheduled to begin this winter. The project is expected to take about two years to complete.

When finished, the facility will house specialized workspaces and collaborative areas that allow students and transportation officials to work side by side.

Boosting innovation and infrastructure

University officials say the new partnership-focused facility is part of a broader effort to prepare students for high-impact careers and strengthen Oklahoma’s infrastructure systems.