That effort launched a long range collaborative relationship in which BSC, the multimillion dollar, federally funded Appalachian Transportation Institute, and the recently-created Applied Research & Technology Center at BSC are combining research, the transportation and technology needs of this region, and economic development in an exciting matrix of opportunity.

"After the success of the initial AFOSR project, I was contacted by Tindall (FL) AFB to determine additional projects upon which we could collaborate," recalled Mutter, an assistant professor of architectural engineering technology. "We conducted a series of environmental cost-analysis projects, and from that beginning the idea arose that we could use our faculty in applied research in this area." In 1998, Mutter filed papers of incorporation to establish the Applied Research & Technology Center, Inc. (AR&TC).

Concurrently, the Appalachian Transportation Institute (ATI) was established at Marshall University through a $12 million grant funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Special Program Administration as a University Transportation Center (UTC). Subsequently named the Nick J. Rahall II Appalachian Transportation Institute, ATI is one of 33 UTCs funded by USDOT and includes three other institutions of higher education as collaborative institutions.

The Applied Research & Technology Center is designed to enhance BSC's ability to compete for research opportunities in the current environment for research and development, and to promote the general economic development of the region. As well, the AR&TC seeks to expedite and simplify the acquisition and utilization of research grants, streamline technology transfer, and connect applied scientific research and technological advancements to economic development in West Virginia.

"This corporation considers how we apply research in solving real problems," Mutter explained. "Measurements are a key to the equation, as is cost-analysis. . . .we have to confirm that it makes sense to proceed with a project, based on anticipated return-on-investment."

Through ATI and AR&TC, BSC faculty can work with two major universities in West Virginia and with Virginia Tech. "The benefits to Bluefield State College are significant," Mutter continued. "They include the opportunity to retain many of our best faculty by providing exciting research opportunities for them. In fact, the entire process of applied research has the effect of re-energizing participating faculty members."

To date, BSC has received approximately $100,000 in funding for ATI-related research projects.