Several steps have been taken at Howard University to upgrade the educational program in power systems engineering and to increase the level of research activity. The primary effort centered on the construction of a computer simulation laboratory, consisting of sets of work stations connected to one of several host computers on which powerful software packages specific to power systems engineering are resident. Associated with the evolution of the laboratory has been an increase in research activity and student interest toward careers in power engineering. The authors describe the various efforts involved and discuss the impact on students. >