Garmin Announces New Lawrence Office


A new agreement between the University of Kansas School of Engineering and Garmin International, the global leader in satellite navigation, will provide a valuable opportunity to a select group of engineering students starting this month.

Six to 10 students in computer science and computer engineering will have the opportunity to work with Garmin International in office space provided by the KU Center for Research Inc. in Lawrence.

The students will work closely with the Garmin team that develops, maintains and enhances software on its nüvi personal navigation devices.

“It’s a great opportunity to get students doing this kind of work for a company of this stature,” said Carey Novak, director of business and industry outreach at KU.

“We’re looking for creative ways to expand our talent pool,” said Laurie Minard, Garmin’s vice president of human resources. “This provides students with real-world experience and helps strengthen our relationship with KU. We are hopeful that this unique collaboration with KU will help expand the opportunities for Garmin as well as prospective employees over the longterm.”

The Garmin satellite office will be at 1315 Wakarusa Drive in space leased from the Center for Research.

“This project fits well with other KU business and industry outreach initiatives,” said Steve Warren, vice provost for research and graduate studies and president of the Center for Research.

The lease agreement runs through the end of June, but Center for Research officials say they would like to see the relationship between Garmin and KU continue well beyond the terms of the current deal.

“We would like to make this a long-term collaboration, one that benefits Garmin, our students and KU’s research programs,” Warren said.