Frenetic engineering.

• Author: Heisler, Kevin
• Position: Funding engineering and science research centers in North Carolina colleges

In January, when Greensboro's two state universities announced plans for a $20 million engineering and science research center, they upped the ante in a high-stakes poker game involving the 16-campus University of North Carolina system.

N.C. A&T State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro historically have had little to do with each other. But with the Triad's manufacturing-oriented economy sputtering and state spending tight, Chancellors Edward Fort of A&T and William Moran of UNCG joined hands.

Fort wants A&T - which turns 100 this year - to win Research University I status, which would allow it to offer engineering doctoral degrees. Triad business cheered. Rick Weddle, president of WinstonSalem Business Inc., says that engineering research is a must for high-tech relocations. Chuck Hayes, Guilford Mills CEO and chairman of Greensboro Development Corp., thinks the center's composite-materials research could be "the salvation of the textile industry."

But Greensboro must pass some serious tests. About 80 percent of the money is to come from the state, which can barely afford professors' copy paper these days. And Greensboro is competing with Charlotte, which wants more help for its $6 million Applied Research Center. The center is working on micro- and optoelectronics, biotechnology and computer-integrated manufacturing. UNCC also wants research university status.

Neither school will get what it wants unless UNC President C.D. Spangler and the system's Board of Governors say yes. At stake is much more than "tough money" - appropriated by state legislators every two years for salaries and overhead. The schools want more of the $125 billion spent on R&D by industry and the federal government -something closer to the $100 million a year that N.C. State gets.

The decision involves many factors: state educational and economic needs, politics, race, equity and cost. Spangler is to report on the proposals this summer. Board action is expected this fall. It may upgrade one, both or neither.

The synergy of A&T and UNCG could give an edge if only one school gets research status. A&T is stressing its traditional focus - and that strikes some chords. "There's a definite shortage in the marketplace of minority engineers," says Sam Poole, chairman of the UNC Board of Governors. "The specific mission of A&T is in that vein."

But UNCC also has a strong minority-outreach program and one black doctoral candidate.

It isn't clear...