Faculty & Staff

Why Industry Grabs Kettering Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

rnorris — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:34:30 +0000

Why Industry Grabs Kettering Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

rnorris Mon, 06/23/2025 - 11:34

In a conversation with Chris Holman of Michigan Business Network at the Mackinac Policy Conference, ��Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan lays out what makes a Kettering education different — and why that difference matters.

Kettering students don’t wait to learn by doing. From year one, they rotate between intensive academic terms and full-time professional Co-ops in leading industries. This fusion of theory and practice builds more than résumés. It builds leaders who graduate into positions far beyond the entry-level.

Kettering students build their careers alongside industry leaders. Employers guide their growth through each Co-op term, often resulting in job offers before graduation.

Listen to the full interview to hear how Kettering’s model builds a workforce industry needs.

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How Kettering is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

rnorris — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:07:17 +0000

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How Kettering is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

rnorris Thu, 06/19/2025 - 10:07

��Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan joined Glenn Stevens Jr. of MichAuto during Detroit PBS’s coverage of the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by award-winning journalist Zoe Clark on “One Detroit.” Their discussion centered on the future of automotive engineering, talent development, and Michigan’s evolving workforce.

Dr. McMahan emphasized the importance of thinking ahead: “We’re actually preparing students for careers that don’t even exist yet because the industry is evolving so quickly,” he said. Kettering’s distinctive Co-op model — where students split their time between rigorous academics and real-world work placements — equips them with the adaptability and habits of mind needed to thrive in tomorrow’s industries.

Glenn Stevens highlighted that while Michigan has “pockets of excellence” in aligning workforce and talent, “we need to do a better job with career path planning.” Dr. McMahan underscored the need to treat talent like a supply chain, noting that, “A lot of the people in this conference, they know their supply chains… they know where every nut and bolt is, what truck it’s on, and when it will land. But if you ask them what the most critical part of their operation is, they will almost universally say it’s people, but it’s the one thing they don’t treat as a supply chain.”

Stevens agreed, adding that Michigan is at an inflection point. “Assuming we do that, treating talent development like a supply chain, investing in communities where people want to live, building strong infrastructure, including digital and schools, and generating new innovation and tech talent like Kettering does, that’s Michigan’s future.”

Click here to watch the full interview to learn how ��Ƶ leads the way in building the next generation of Michigan’s innovators.

Dr. Ronald Tackett Appointed Founding Head of ��Ƶ’s New School of Foundational Studies

rnorris — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:21:13 +0000

Dr. Ronald Tackett Appointed Founding Head of ��Ƶ’s New School of Foundational Studies

Campus

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Tue, 06/17/2025 - 10:21

��Ƶ today announced the appointment of Dr. Ronald J. Tackett as the Founding Head of its new School of Foundational Studies, effective June 23, 2025. The new academic unit, launched as part of a comprehensive academic realignment, will serve as a hub for faculty innovation across disciplines, allowing for collaboration on a more cohesive, human-centered approach to foundational learning, one that integrates academic knowledge with professional development from the start.

"The creation of the School of Foundational Studies represents a deliberate and forward-looking transformation in the academic architecture of ��Ƶ,” said University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “Dr. Tackett brings not only scholarly distinction but also a compelling vision for how integrated learning in the sciences, mathematics, and liberal arts prepares our students to lead in a world defined by complexity and rapid change. Under his leadership, this School will cultivate the intellectual discipline, ethical reasoning, and critical inquiry that define true leadership in every field."

Dr. Tackett, associate professor of physics, joined Kettering’s faculty in 2014. He brings more than two decades of experience teaching foundational and advanced courses in physics. His research focuses on magnetic nanoparticles, and antiferromagnetic materials with applications in the next generation of non-volatile magnetic data storage and fast-switching electronic devices. In addition to his academic scholarship, he has served in key leadership roles, including as Kettering’s outgoing Faculty Senate Moderator and as Chair of the Eastern Great Lakes Section of the American Physical Society.

“I want this School to be the cornerstone of Kettering’s educational mission,” Dr. Tackett said. “We’re laying the groundwork for innovation and impact, and that starts by rethinking how students engage with math, science, and the liberal arts, not in silos, but as connected disciplines.”

The School of Foundational Studies will also oversee the creation of a University-wide Core Curriculum, designed to be a common gateway for students into the University’s rigorous academic programs. Dr. Tackett's vision includes increasing collaboration across disciplines and building cross-functional courses that reflect the complexity of real-world problem solving.

“Our students are preparing to lead in industries where technical knowledge is essential, but so is ethical reasoning, communication, and critical thinking,” Dr. Tackett said. “This new structure gives us the opportunity to deliver that education in a more interconnected, intentional way. I’m excited to collaborate with students and faculty to rethink how foundational learning happens.”

Dr. Tackett earned his B.S. in Engineering Physics from Eastern Michigan University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from Wayne State University. Before joining Kettering, he served as an assistant professor at Arkansas Tech University and held a postdoctoral research position at the University of Texas at El Paso.

��Ƶ Enhances Academic Framework With Expanded College of Engineering and New School of Foundational Studies

rnorris — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:06:19 +0000

��Ƶ Enhances Academic Framework With Expanded College of Engineering and New School of Foundational Studies

Campus

Faculty & Staff

Research

rnorris Thu, 06/12/2025 - 09:06

��Ƶ today announced a set of catalytic changes to the university stemming from a multi-year assessment and growth plan—an ambitious, collaborative effort that strengthens Kettering’s leadership at the intersection of education and industry. Effective June 23, 2025, the University will launch an enhanced College of Engineering and Computer Science, a new School of Foundational Studies, and an expanded Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

“��Ƶ is unique in higher education because we were founded to deliver mastery and career-relevant skills as an outcome, not simply a classroom-based education,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ��Ƶ. “The strategic steps we are announcing build on our foundation and unmatched heritage in experiential learning as well as our broad collaboration with industry. They position us to continue to innovate in what we do and to graduate students who are among the best prepared in the nation for a 21st century economy.”

This comprehensive realignment within Academic Affairs reflects the deliberate, rigorous process that began with the President’s Task Force on program Realignment and Reinvention in 2021. That Task Force, informed by quantitative and qualitative analyses—including national trends in STEM, workforce projections, and extensive faculty and staff input—charted a course to enhance Kettering’s academic structure to align its distinctive cooperative education model and the needs of a dynamic workforce.

Key enhancements include:

● The College of Engineering will be renamed the College of Engineering and Computer Science, reflecting Kettering’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and its strategic alignment with industry. By integrating the Department of Computer Science into the College of Engineering, the University will ensure that computing disciplines are fully embedded within engineering education—advancing graduates’ abilities to deliver integrated hardware and software solutions across the interconnected domains of mobility, manufacturing, and advanced product design.

● The Department of Chemical Engineering will be expanded to become the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, underscoring the University’s recognition of the critical role that materials science plays in addressing contemporary engineering challenges. This expansion strategically positions Kettering at the forefront of national efforts in semiconductor technologies, hydrogen, and battery and energy storage, and it will house the University’s pioneering accelerated program in semiconductor materials and devices—the first of its kind in the nation—further distinguishing the University’s offerings in areas critical to national competitiveness and technological advancement.

● The School of Foundational Studies, provides the essential foundational instruction in the liberal arts, mathematics, and the sciences that is requisite for success in all University degree programs. The School will oversee the development of a University-wide Core Curriculum designed to be a common gateway for students into the University’s rigorous academic programs. The School of Foundational Studies serves as a hub for innovative faculty, with expertise from multiple disciplines, to develop a more holistic learning and professional development experience for students.

“These changes are not just organizational; they are generative,” President McMahan noted. “They position Kettering to be more agile and innovative, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and providing students with a transformative educational experience that mirrors the demands of today’s—and tomorrow’s—industries.”

Founded in 1919, ��Ƶ is a nationally recognized leader in STEM education. From its earliest days, Kettering has distinguished itself through its unique cooperative education model, seamlessly integrating rigorous academic study with paid, professional experience. This philosophy of education prioritizes mastery as the ultimate outcome, ensuring that every student graduates with both academic depth and real-world experience. Kettering’s approach prepares graduates not only to meet the challenges of today’s industries but to shape them.

These changes echo Kettering’s other recent strategic investments in student success with the creation of its new Student Experience Collaborative. This team, led by a Chief Student Experience Officer, ensures every student benefits from a holistic approach to academic advising, Co-op and career design, and a vibrant campus life—all essential to producing leaders prepared to shape the future.

“Since our founding, Kettering has stood at the crossroads of industry and innovation,” McMahan emphasized. “Our unique cooperative education model doesn’t just educate—it empowers our students to enter the workforce with confidence, experience, problem-solving skills, and the adaptability that employers demand. With these enhancements to our academic structure, Kettering continues to deliver on our promise of mastery,
leadership, and real-world impact.”

College of Engineering

��Ƶ Set to Welcome Dr. Terence J. Pitre as New Dean of its School of Management

rnorris — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:08:56 +0000

��Ƶ Set to Welcome Dr. Terence J. Pitre as New Dean of its School of Management

Business Management

Campus

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Mon, 06/09/2025 - 08:08

��Ƶ announced today the appointment of Dr. Terence J. Pitre as the new Dean of the School of Management, effective June 30, 2025.

"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Pitre to ��Ƶ," said Dr. James Zhang, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. "His deep expertise in business education, commitment to experiential learning, and strong industry background make him an ideal fit to lead the School of Management. We are confident that under his leadership, the school will continue to grow in impact, further strengthening the role of business education within our STEM-driven institution."

“I also want to thank Professor John Grether for his dedication and leadership as Acting Dean,” Dr. Zhang said. “His commitment to advancing the School’s strategic goals, including the crucial work toward our self-study with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, has positioned us well for continued success.”

Dr. Pitre joins Kettering with a strong background in academic leadership, industry insight, and a passion for bridging classroom learning with hands-on experience. A U.S. Navy veteran and former faculty leader at multiple institutions, he brings a visionary approach to business education that aligns with Kettering’s distinctive Co-op model.

“When I looked at Kettering’s approach to education, I saw the future,” Dr. Pitre said. “The Co-op model isn’t just a value-add. It’s a game-changer. It answers the question so many students and families are asking today: Is college worth it? At Kettering, the answer is yes because students leave here with knowledge and real experience.”

Dr. Pitre sees the School of Management as a vital driver of innovation within Kettering’s STEM-focused environment. He is committed to strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering, computer science, supply chain, and data analytics to equip graduates with leadership skills that scale across industries.

Dr. Pitre plans to hit the ground running, meeting one-on-one with faculty, connecting with alumni, and deepening understanding of how business programs can better serve Kettering’s mission.

“Our graduates don’t wait to lead. They leave here ready to shape industries,” he said. “I want to ensure our business students are equipped not just with theory, but also with two and a half years of applied experience behind them. That’s how you stand out.”

With deep ties to community engagement and a proven track record of building forward-thinking programs, including creative alternatives like Google certificates in data analytics, Dr. Pitre brings a student-centered and mission-driven mindset that reflects Kettering’s commitment to innovation and outcomes.

“Being military, you have to do what they call ‘live the brand,’” he said. “You’re always representing your institution. That mindset is exactly what I bring to Kettering.”

Dr. Pitre comes to Kettering with over two decades of academic leadership and teaching experience. Most recently, he served as Dean of the College of Business Administration at California State University, Stanislaus. He previously held key academic and administrative roles at institutions including Bowling Green State University, Minnesota State University, Miami University, California State University–Sacramento, Saint Mary’s College of California, and the University of St. Thomas.

Dr. Pitre earned his Ph.D. in Accounting from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business, his MBA in Accounting and Finance from Tulane University, and his B.S. in Finance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

School of Management

Business Management

“Your College Bound Kid” Podcast Goes Inside Kettering

rnorris — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:32:52 +0000

“Your College Bound Kid” Podcast Goes Inside Kettering

Campus

Co-op

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Fri, 06/06/2025 - 13:32

“Your College Bound Kid” Podcast Goes Inside Kettering

What makes ��Ƶ one of the most respected — and most rewarding — STEM institutions in the country? In this featured episode of the “Your College Bound Kid” podcast, President Dr. Robert K. McMahan offers a candid, wide-ranging look at what sets Kettering apart.

Dr. McMahan shares the bold founding story of the university and how its Co-op model remains unmatched in depth, duration, and career payoff. He breaks down how Kettering's academic and Co-op model leads to one of the highest returns in higher education, measured in experience, opportunity, and long-term career growth. He dives into the outcomes that matter most — like industry-leading starting salaries and patents earned by undergraduates — and breaks down the real work students do through immersive experiences and rigorous academics. He discusses the mindset Kettering students bring to campus, what admissions looks for beyond grades, and how the university supports students who are still figuring out their path.

Listeners also get insight into Kettering’s unique student life experience, including the global exchange with universities in Germany, the role of the new Chief Student Experience Officer, and the hands-on thesis projects that turn into real-world solutions. From first-year onboarding to long-term career acceleration, this conversation reveals how Kettering equips students to lead.

Listen to the episode now.

��Ƶ’s 2025 FUNd Drive Raises Over $55,000

rnorris — Fri, 30 May 2025 12:35:21 +0000

��Ƶ’s 2025 FUNd Drive Raises Over $55,000

Campus

Campus Events

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Fri, 05/30/2025 - 08:35

It’s More Than a Job. It’s a Vote of Confidence.

��Ƶ faculty and staff showed where they stand, giving over $55,000 and reaching 75% participation in this spring’s 2025 FUNd Drive.

Their message: We’re not just here to do a job. We’re here because we believe in what this place makes possible. From April 15 to May 2, 253 employees gave to initiatives that directly support students, sending a powerful vote of confidence in Kettering’s mission and the people it serves.

“When faculty and staff give, it sends a message,” said Ken McKinnon, Director of Facilities Services and co-chair of this year’s drive. “We believe in what we do here, and we’re willing to invest in it.”

That clear support was most evident for the Keep Me Kettering Scholarship, the campaign’s top-funded initiative with nearly $45,000 in gifts and pledges. This critical resource helps students stay on track to graduation, and this year, it also became the focus of a new effort: the Golden Lanyard Project.

Designed to recognize those who help students stay the course, the Golden Lanyard is more than a symbol. It’s a daily reminder that behind every scholarship is someone who chose to stand behind a student.

“Every gift helps a student keep moving forward,” said Dr. Demet Usanmaz, Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences and co-chair of the drive. “We can support more students so they can engage in learning opportunities and continue working toward their future career goals.”

Gifts also supported more than a dozen other funds — including scholarships, academic programs, student organizations, DECA, SAE teams, and the Kettering Archives — proving again that the Bulldog community doesn’t just believe in potential. It invests in it.

Building Culture. Driving Impact.

Internal giving is about more than dollars raised — it strengthens the University in other critical ways. High participation rates among faculty and staff contribute to stronger rankings and increased competitiveness for external funding. Those rates also inspire alumni, foundations, and corporate partners to step up their support.

Over the past 12 years, the FUNd Drive has raised more than $700,000 to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. With the continued generosity of faculty and staff, that legacy is only growing.

Not everyone gives like this. But Bulldogs do.

Dr. Robert K. McMahan Provides Commentary for U.S. News and World Report: As a College President, This Is My Advice on Decision Day

rnorris — Fri, 02 May 2025 13:03:38 +0000

Dr. Robert K. McMahan Provides Commentary for U.S. News and World Report: As a College President, This Is My Advice on Decision Day

Campus

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Fri, 05/02/2025 - 09:03

If college doesn’t prepare you for the job market, it’s not worth the cost.

By Robert K. McMahan

As a university president and parent of two recent college graduates, I understand well the pressure on high school students to make wise decisions on where to continue their education. The quality of teaching and research programs, cost, location, athletics, extracurriculars and whether you feel “at home” on campus all matter, but there's a crucially important factor that too many students and their families overlook: how well your school will prepare you for life after graduation.

Click here to read Dr. McMahan's entire commentary in U.S. News & World Report.

��Ƶ’s Bastiaan Receives Prestigious Forest McFarland Award at 2025 SAE WCX

rnorris — Thu, 01 May 2025 14:21:40 +0000

��Ƶ’s Bastiaan Receives Prestigious Forest McFarland Award at 2025 SAE WCX

Alumni

Faculty & Staff

Mechanical Engineering

rnorris Thu, 05/01/2025 - 10:21

Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan ’97, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, a dedicated leader in engineering education, and a longtime advocate for industry collaboration, has received the 2025 SAE Forest McFarland Award for her outstanding contributions to SAE International’s engineering events. She was given the honor during the 2025 SAE World Congress Experience (WCX), held April 8 through 10 in Detroit — the premier global event for automotive engineering professionals.

Established in 1979, the Forest McFarland Award honors individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts in the planning, developing, and disseminating of technical knowledge through SAE conferences and professional development programs. Dr. Bastiaan’s decades-long leadership in organizing SAE technical sessions and fostering industry-academic engagement has made her an invaluable force within the organization.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by SAE, an organization that has shaped my own career and continues to drive progress in the industry,” Bastiaan said. “SAE has been instrumental in connecting engineers, researchers, and students in meaningful ways, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission.”

As chair of SAE’s Materials Modeling and Testing Committee, Dr. Bastiaan has played a critical role in orchestrating key sessions at WCX, ensuring the highest level of technical content and industry relevance. She leads three major sessions at WCX, including those on vehicle dynamics and tire mechanics, as well as a student-focused session, Motorsports 101, which she pioneered to give university teams a platform to present their work and engage with industry leaders.

A ��Ƶ alumna and industry veteran, Dr. Bastiaan spent two decades at Roush Industries before returning to Kettering as a faculty member in 2015. Her deep ties to industry and dedication to hands-on education reflect Kettering’s commitment to producing graduates who don’t just enter the workforce — they lead it.

At ��Ƶ, Dr. Bastiaan is the Faculty Advisor to two Formula SAE teams, the Internal Combustion team and the Electric team. She is also a Faculty Co-advisor to four other SAE student teams, including AutoDrive Challenge II, Baja SAE, SAE Aero Design, and SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge.

“The WCX event is where the future of automotive engineering takes shape,” she said. “I hope my experience encourages more Kettering students, faculty, alumni, and stakeholders to get involved because SAE is a powerful platform for innovation and collaboration.”

With attendance reaching over 10,000 professionals annually, WCX is recognized as the cornerstone event for the automotive engineering community, attracting experts from across academia and industry to exchange cutting-edge research and best practices.

Dr. Bastiaan’s leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to student engagement exemplify Kettering’s legacy of producing bold, forward-thinking problem-solvers. Her recognition with the Forest McFarland Award solidifies her place among the industry’s most influential voices.

College of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

��Ƶ’s New Brand Wins Best in Show at ADDY Awards, Earns Multiple Additional Honors

rnorris — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:29:33 +0000

��Ƶ’s New Brand Wins Best in Show at ADDY Awards, Earns Multiple Additional Honors

Campus

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Wed, 04/23/2025 - 15:29

��Ƶ’s Marketing and Communications (UMC) team isn’t just winning awards — they’re setting the standard. At the 2024 American Advertising Awards (ADDYs) of Greater Flint, Kettering’s Brand Anthem, filmed in partnership with Carnegie Higher Ed, earned the coveted Best in Show award, the night’s top honor in the professional category.

This distinction places Kettering’s bold, high-impact messaging — “Not for Everyone. For You.” — at the forefront of creative excellence, standing out among the best work in the region. Judges praised the campaign's fearless approach, dynamic storytelling, and unique brand identity. In addition to winning Best in Show, Kettering took home three Gold ADDYs and one Silver, reinforcing the power of its brand storytelling and design.

Best in Show:

��Ƶ Brand Anthem

Gold ADDYs:

Film, Video, & Sound – ��Ƶ Brand Anthem
Print, Direct Mail Campaign – Undergraduate Direct Mail Pieces
Print Magazine, Ads – ��Ƶ Magazine

Silver ADDY:

Integrated Branded Content Campaign - ��Ƶ Brand Content

Held on February 28 at Warwick Hills Country Club, the ADDY Awards recognized the region's most outstanding advertising and marketing work. Kettering’s gold awards moved forward to the regional multi-state competition.

Kettering’s UMC team also brought home multiple CUPPIE Awards at the 2025 CUPRAP Conference on March 13 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, competing against over 400 entries from higher education institutions nationwide.

CUPPIE Awards:

Gold – Digital - Short Form Video - Brand Anthem Video
Silver – Marketing/Advertising - Outdoor
Bronze – Marketing/Advertising - Branding Campaign
Honorable Mention – Public Relations - Special Events/Virtual Events -Commencement 2025

The Carnegie and Kettering team also earned two awards at the 40th Annual Educational Advertising Awards. The Educational Advertising Awards is the largest educational advertising awards competition in the country. This year, over 2,000 entries were received from over 1,000 colleges, universities, and secondary schools from all fifty states and numerous foreign countries.

EDU Awards:

Silver – Kettering UG Visit Display Ads
Bronze – Kettering Mobile Footprint Display Ads

Kettering’s “Not for Everyone. For You.” campaign isn’t just a slogan — it’s a declaration. It speaks directly to those ready for the challenge, the rigor, and the career-defining opportunities Kettering offers. These most recent ADDY, CUPPIE, and EDU awards prove that the message resonates and that Kettering’s approach cuts through the noise in higher education marketing. It also proves that the University’s brand is as bold and focused as the students it attracts.

Click here to see the ��Ƶ Brand Anthem.

Faculty & Staff

Why Industry Grabs Kettering Grads First: A Blueprint for Career-Ready Talent

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How Kettering is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

Dr. Ronald Tackett Appointed Founding Head of ������Ƶ’s New School of Foundational Studies

������Ƶ Enhances Academic Framework With Expanded College of Engineering and New School of Foundational Studies

������Ƶ Set to Welcome Dr. Terence J. Pitre as New Dean of its School of Management

“Your College Bound Kid” Podcast Goes Inside Kettering

������Ƶ’s 2025 FUNd Drive Raises Over $55,000

Dr. Robert K. McMahan Provides Commentary for U.S. News and World Report: As a College President, This Is My Advice on Decision Day

������Ƶ’s Bastiaan Receives Prestigious Forest McFarland Award at 2025 SAE WCX

������Ƶ’s New Brand Wins Best in Show at ADDY Awards, Earns Multiple Additional Honors

Dr. Ronald Tackett Appointed Founding Head of ��Ƶ’s New School of Foundational Studies

��Ƶ Enhances Academic Framework With Expanded College of Engineering and New School of Foundational Studies

��Ƶ Set to Welcome Dr. Terence J. Pitre as New Dean of its School of Management

��Ƶ’s 2025 FUNd Drive Raises Over $55,000

��Ƶ’s Bastiaan Receives Prestigious Forest McFarland Award at 2025 SAE WCX

��Ƶ’s New Brand Wins Best in Show at ADDY Awards, Earns Multiple Additional Honors