Evonik donates $40,000 to the University of South Alabama

Evonik, one of the world's leading specialty chemicals companies, has donated $40,000 towards a skills trainer for students enrolled in the Process Technology program at the University of South Alabama. A skills trainer or “training skid” is a realistic industrial process system that allows students to practice common scenarios they might encounter during work as a chemical process operator.

Process Technology (PTEC) is the study and application of scientific principles for the operation and maintenance of complex chemical plants. PTEC programs prepare students for employment as process, research, or laboratory technicians.

The donation underscores Evonik’s ongoing commitment to supporting education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). “We are excited to support efforts to develop a diverse Process Technology talent pool. These students will strengthen the local workforce and our community,” remarked Chris Mitchell, Director of Energy and Utilities at Evonik in Mobile.

Evonik, the University of South Alabama, and other local chemical industry partners established an advanced education program for potential chemical operators. The school’s process technology program officially started in January 2022. Classroom instruction and simulation training are well underway.

“We are hopeful to have an actual process equipment hands-on training skid unit installed on campus for classes this fall,” said Steve Duff, Director of the Talent Development Program within the School of Computing at the University of South Alabama. The unit will allow students to learn and demonstrate hands-on plant operator skills in a safe and environmentally friendly atmosphere. “Thanks to Evonik and their donation, the University of South Alabama is now closer to having this hope become a reality,” said Duff.

Evonik employs approximately 850 people at its site in Mobile, Alabama.