{"id":13,"date":"2024-08-05T17:23:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-05T17:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/?page_id=13"},"modified":"2026-04-16T20:29:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T20:29:38","slug":"welcome","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/","title":{"rendered":"Houlne Center for Convergent Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-center fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">大象传媒 (MWSU) and North Central 大象传媒 College (NCMC) are collaborating to grow the region\u2019s skilled manufacturing and construction workforce with 大象传媒 Western\u2019s newly constructed Houlne Center for Convergent Technology.\u00a0 The Center delivers practical, applied learning instruction in skilled manufacturing and construction professions as well as innovative service technologies \u2013 like AI, robotics, GIS, sensor technologies, information technology and cybersecurity \u2013 that drive those sectors and others.\u00a0 The Center is home both to a broad range of certificate and degree programs as well as offering targeted workforce training, designed to meet the needs of incumbent workers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Houlne Center houses applied learning labs that mimic the equipment and facilities used in today\u2019s and tomorrow\u2019s manufacturing technology, industrial technology, and construction technology employer\u2019s factory floors and job sites.\u00a0 The Center is the capstone of an increasingly comprehensive ecosystem of technology-based professional education founded upon the alliance of MWSU and NCMC, with partners at the Saint Joseph School District and Hillyard Technical Center.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The HCCT will be a bustling hub for education and training in manufacturing, construction, and advanced support technology. Visitors will include employees and leaders of regional industries, college and university students, new companies considering relocation to our area, government leaders and economic development professionals, K-12 school groups, adult learners, equipment vendors, civic organizations, traditional faculty and professors of practice, and more. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:50% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 3.84%;margin-left : 3.84%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:775px;\"><img width=\"1471\" height=\"719\" alt=\"houlne center exterior\" title=\"HoulneExterior1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2025\/02\/HoulneExterior1.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2025\/02\/HoulneExterior1-200x98.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2025\/02\/HoulneExterior1-400x196.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2025\/02\/HoulneExterior1-600x293.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2025\/02\/HoulneExterior1-800x391.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2025\/02\/HoulneExterior1-1200x587.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2025\/02\/HoulneExterior1.jpg 1471w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:10px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 &#091;&#093;\"><em>Click below to hear from the Workforce Development Director about the Houlne Center capabilities.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/workforce-development-director-speaking-on-the-houlne-center-transcript\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to read the transcript (opens in new window).<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-audio fusion-audio-1\" style=\"--fusion-audio-accent-color:#ffffff;--fusion-audio-border-size:0;--fusion-audio-border-top-left-radius:0px;--fusion-audio-border-top-right-radius:0px;--fusion-audio-border-bottom-right-radius:0px;--fusion-audio-border-bottom-left-radius:0px;--fusion-audio-background-color:#1d242d;--fusion-audio-max-width:100%;\"><!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('audio');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-13-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2025\/04\/250424-Rebecca-Lobina-Workforce-Development-MWSU.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2025\/04\/250424-Rebecca-Lobina-Workforce-Development-MWSU.mp3\">https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2025\/04\/250424-Rebecca-Lobina-Workforce-Development-MWSU.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">@media all and (-ms-high-contrast: none), (-ms-high-contrast: active) {.fusion-audio-1{max-width:100%;}.fusion-audio-1 .mejs-embed,.fusion-audio-1 .mejs-embed body,.fusion-audio-1 .mejs-container .mejs-controls{background-color:#1d242d;}.fusion-audio-1 .mejs-controls .mejs-time-rail .mejs-time-current{background:#ffffff;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 5.76%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 5.76%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:33.333333333333% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 5.76%;margin-left : 5.76%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:25px;margin-bottom:25px;width:100%;max-width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"border-color:#e2e2e2;border-top-width:4px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-center fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:700px;\"><img width=\"1076\" height=\"626\" alt=\"Houlne Infographic\" title=\"HoulneInfographic\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/HoulneInfographic.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-29\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/HoulneInfographic-200x116.png 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/HoulneInfographic-400x233.png 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/HoulneInfographic-600x349.png 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/HoulneInfographic-800x465.png 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/HoulneInfographic.png 1076w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 5.76%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 5.76%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:33.333333333333% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 5.76%;margin-left : 5.76%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><h2><b>The Economic Importance of Growing 大象传媒\u2019s Skilled Manufacturing <\/b><b>Workforce<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Industry and manufacturing are key to 大象传媒\u2019s economy and fuel prosperity at the regional, state, county, and local levels. Thriving manufacturing and construction sectors are only possible when a sufficiently large, sufficiently skilled workforce is available. In turn, those good paying jobs contribute to vibrant, successful communities and enable individual citizens to escape cycles of poverty and become self-sufficient.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three major industries are prevalent in Buchanan County and the surrounding area \u2013 industrial products and manufacturing, agricultural\/food processing, and construction and support services. There is a substantial convergence in the technologies these sectors rely upon, such as controls, electronics, pneumatics, and hydraulics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent studies indicate that strong job growth will take place in industrial technology, mechanical technology, and construction technology.\u00a0 Yet before we can capitalize on that opportunity we must first overcome the huge gap in today\u2019s skilled manufacturing workforce.\u00a0 Nearly two-thirds of Northwest 大象传媒 Manufacturers already report grappling with a scarcity of skilled workers and with serious deficiencies in the level of skills possessed by the labor available.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:50% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 3.84%;margin-left : 3.84%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:25px;margin-bottom:25px;width:100%;max-width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"border-color:#e2e2e2;border-top-width:4px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-2{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-center fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><h2><strong>About the Houlne Center for Convergent Technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With support from the state, city, and county, as well as contributions from industry partners, foundations, and private donors, sufficient funds were raised to complete construction and furnish the building with equipment with no need for bonding. Early on, the MWSU Foundation supplied funding to assist the University with the planning phases of the project.\u00a0 Ground was broken on July 11, 2023 and the building is on schedule to ready to begin offering instruction in the Fall of 2024, when the ribbon cutting is anticipated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Center owes its new name to tech entrepreneur, futurist, best-selling author and philanthropist, Tim Houlne, who graduated from 大象传媒 Western in 1986 with a degree in business.\u00a0 In July 2024, he generously contributed the third largest outright gift in the University\u2019s history by committing $3 million to the Center\u2019s operating funds. Houlne is the CEO of Dallas-based Humach, Inc., a company which provides innovative customer experience solutions for business using AI and automation technology.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A broad range of industrial partners provided valuable technical input on the building\u2019s construction and initial equipment selection. The 20,000 square foot building, which houses applied labs, will be accompanied by a 10,000 square foot equipment storage facility.\u00a0 Over $2 million in industry-grade lab equipment is available for teaching and workforce training.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Center aims to provide a range of pathways to technology-focused professional education in high demand careers.\u00a0 The educational offerings supported by the Center can serve students graduating from high school, completing a technical school education, returning to school from the workforce, or companies seeking to strengthen the skills of their existing workers. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:50% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 3.84%;margin-left : 3.84%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-3 hover-type-none\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:700px;\"><img width=\"2344\" height=\"1809\" alt=\"Off Ramp Workforce Options\" title=\"OffRampWorkforceOptions\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/OffRampWorkforceOptions.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-64\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/OffRampWorkforceOptions-200x154.png 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/OffRampWorkforceOptions-400x309.png 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/OffRampWorkforceOptions-600x463.png 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/OffRampWorkforceOptions-800x617.png 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/OffRampWorkforceOptions-1200x926.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/OffRampWorkforceOptions.png 2344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 5.76%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 5.76%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:33.333333333333% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 5.76%;margin-left : 5.76%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-8 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:25px;margin-bottom:25px;width:100%;max-width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"border-color:#e2e2e2;border-top-width:4px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-8{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-8{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-8{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-3{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-center fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-9 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-4 hover-type-none\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:700px;\"><img width=\"1620\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"Tim Houlne &#039;86\" title=\"Tim Houlne &#8217;86\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/09\/IMG_7641-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-139\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/09\/IMG_7641-Enhanced-NR-Edit-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/09\/IMG_7641-Enhanced-NR-Edit-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/09\/IMG_7641-Enhanced-NR-Edit-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/09\/IMG_7641-Enhanced-NR-Edit-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/09\/IMG_7641-Enhanced-NR-Edit-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/09\/IMG_7641-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-9{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-9 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 5.76%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 5.76%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-9{width:33.333333333333% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-9 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 5.76%;margin-left : 5.76%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-9{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-9 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-10 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><h2><strong>About Tim Houlne &#8217;86<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--m RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph\">The Houlne Center for Convergent Technology is named for 大象传媒 alumnus Tim Houlne.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--m RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph\">Tim graduated from 大象传媒 in 1986 with degrees in Banking\/Finance and Management. He is a seasoned entrepreneur, best-selling author and visionary whose long-standing predictions about AI and the virtual workforce have come to fruition. Throughout his career, Tim has consistently\u00a0 recognized and understood evolving trends, leveraging this insight to revolutionize industries across the business landscape. His passion lies in helping others embrace innovative concepts that enhance the lives of working professionals while ensuring excellent bottom-line results.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--m RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph\">Tim channels his unique vision through investments in the Houlne Center for Convergent Technology at 大象传媒 and the sponsorship of\u00a0 the Humach AI, IT, and Cyber-Science Bay. His generous contributions have established an outstanding applied learning laboratory where students and\u00a0 professionals can prepare for future careers in manufacturing, AI, IT, and cyber-sciences.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-10{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-10 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-10{width:50% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-10 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 3.84%;margin-left : 3.84%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-10{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-10 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-11 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:25px;margin-bottom:25px;width:100%;max-width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"border-color:#e2e2e2;border-top-width:4px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-11{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-11 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-11{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-11 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-11{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-11 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-4{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-center fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-12 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><h2><strong>What is Convergent Technology?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many industries that manufacture very different products &#8212; such as heavy machinery versus food processing &#8212; often rely on very similar equipment and techniques. The training that skilled workers require converges on a set of shared, core systems and experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Center will focus on delivering training in a variety of core skills essential to a wide range of different industries, rather than on applications specific to individual fields or companies. For example, the manufacturing training will encompass hydraulics, pneumatics, power transfer, conveyance, robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and sensors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-12{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-12 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-12{width:50% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-12 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 3.84%;margin-left : 3.84%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-12{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-12 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-5 hover-type-none\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:700px;\"><img width=\"1620\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"Houlne Center\" title=\"IMG_9784-Enhanced-NR-Edit\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/IMG_9784-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-83\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/IMG_9784-Enhanced-NR-Edit-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/IMG_9784-Enhanced-NR-Edit-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/IMG_9784-Enhanced-NR-Edit-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/IMG_9784-Enhanced-NR-Edit-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/IMG_9784-Enhanced-NR-Edit-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/198\/2024\/08\/IMG_9784-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-13{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-13 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 5.76%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 5.76%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-13{width:33.333333333333% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-13 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 5.76%;margin-left : 5.76%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-13{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-13 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-5{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":145,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/145"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":265,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13\/revisions\/265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/hcct\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}