Pictured above, Doosan Bobcat North America President Mike Ballweber (R) shakes hands with Dr. Robert Keynton, Dean of William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte (L), as they donate $200,000 to support student scholarships.
Bobcat Company has announced a strategic partnership with the University of North Carolina Charlotte’s William States Lee College of Engineering, launching a $200,000 scholarship fund to support students in engineering, computing, informatics, business and supply chain programs. The initiative will bolster the company’s Student Development Program on campus and establish a dedicated workspace complete with tools and professional mentorship.
Under this expanded program, engineering students will participate in hands-on projects guided by Bobcat professionals, offering early-career exposure to real-world engineering challenges. Co-op participants will benefit from the new workspace on UNC Charlotte's campus and valuable networking opportunities.
Bobcat President Mike Ballweber described the collaboration as a “gamechanger,” emphasizing its purpose in empowering future STEM talent. UNC Charlotte Engineering Dean Rob Keynton added that the partnership exemplifies how synergy between industry and academia can drive innovation, attracting engineers to North Carolina’s high-growth tech and manufacturing ecosystem.
Alongside scholarships, Bobcat employees will engage with UNC Charlotte through research projects, senior design collaborations, faculty interaction and emerging partnerships in supply chain management. Many participants in the Student Development Program have transitioned from co-op to full-time roles post-graduation.
Bobcat operates a large manufacturing campus in Statesville, NC, and this partnership reiterates its dedication to shaping the local workforce. More than a decade old, the Student Development Program has graduated over 135 students across institutions like North Dakota State University and the University of Mary, creating a strong technical talent pipeline.
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