Campus

Building Momentum: Kettering’s 2025 VEX Series Strengthens Michigan’s Robotics Pipeline

lmadaus — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:47:30 +0000

Building Momentum: Kettering’s 2025 VEX Series Strengthens Michigan’s Robotics Pipeline

lmadaus Thu, 12/04/2025 - 09:47

Over four weekends in November, hundreds of middle- and high-school competitors stepped into 911��’s Robotics Community Center ready to put months of refining designs, pushing code, and thinking like engineers to the test.

The 2025 VEX Robotics Tournament Series showcases Michigan’s brightest young innovators while reinforcing Kettering’s continued commitment to building the state’s next generation of STEM leaders.

While the series highlights student achievement, it also reflects 911��’s sustained investment in Michigan’s robotics ecosystem. Since 2015, Kettering has hosted VEX camps, workshops, and the Michigan VEX State Championship, helping young engineers connect with university labs and mentors.

The Game: Push Back

This year’s competition featured VEX V5 Robotics Push Back, a fast-paced game played on a 12x12-foot field. Teams of two robots work together to score points by moving and controlling blocks, completing tasks during a brief autonomous period, and navigating complex challenges under time pressure.

Push Back isn’t just about building a robot. It’s a test of creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and focus. With a detailed rulebook guiding strategy and fair play, every match challenges students to think like engineers, adapt to changing conditions, and compete with both precision and imagination.

“The rule book, which is over 100 pages, is frequently updated and contains a level of complexity that mimics the conditions of a workplace,” said Kim Shumaker, the Director of Robotics Outreach & Robotics Center at Kettering. “Students are responsible for following all rules, just as employees are required to follow company and government policies. The experience prepares students to confidently enter and succeed in a STEM-focused workforce.”

Hosting a series of tournaments enables teams to test their design and strategy and learn from rivals, directly fueling the iteration phase of the engineering process:

Costume Clash (Nov. 1) kicked off the series with creativity and confidence-building, letting students test early designs while having fun.
Fall Frenzy (Nov. 8) served as an iterative checkpoint, allowing teams to refine their performance and receive guidance from experienced mentors.
Bulldog Bash (Nov. 15) introduced full judging and digital engineering notebooks, encouraging students to document and defend their design decisions.
Gears & Gratitude (Nov. 22) closed the series with multiple State Championship-qualified teams competing, raising the level of competition and celebrating teamwork and community.

Together, the four events formed a developmental arc, helping students progress from initial concepts to competition-ready designs.

Push Back Tournament Awards

Costume Clash (Nov. 1)
- Tournament Champions:
  - 39R Serenity, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
  - 39H HNS, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Robot Skills Champion: 39R Serenity, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Fall Frenzy (Nov. 8)
- Tournament Champions:
  - 39W W, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
  - 16610G Good Gravy, Techblazers, Richmond Hill, ON, Canada
- Robot Skills Champion: 16610X Cooking Goose, Techblazers, Richmond Hill, ON, Canada
Bulldog Bash (Nov. 15)
- Tournament Champions:
  - 7760X Airplane Mode, Seed Seek Robotics, Bloomfield Hills, MI
  - 39Y Yolt, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Robot Skills Champion: 7760X Airplane Mode, Seed Seek Robotics, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Excellence Award: 7760X Airplane Mode, Seed Seek Robotics, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Design Award: 39Y Yolt, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Innovate Award: 4911X SayHelloToMyLittleFriend, Robo-Tech Zone of Michiana, Dowagiac, MI
- Judges Award: 39B Daily Silksong News, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Gears & Gratitude (Nov. 22)
- Tournament Champions:
  - 1829A Phantom, Independent, Troy, MI
  - 7760X Airplane Mode, Seed Seek Robotics, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Robot Skills Champion: 40684D Griffilicious, Napoleon High School, Napoleon, MI
- Excellence Award (High School): 39R Serenity, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Excellence Award (Middle School): 1829A Phantom, Independent, Troy, MI
- Design Award: 39Y Yolt, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Innovate Award: 7760X Airplane Mode, Seed Seek Robotics, Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Judges Award: 1997B Rolling With Porpoise, Chatfield School, Lapeer, Michigan

Looking Ahead

From the playful creativity of Costume Clash to the mastery on display at Gears & Gratitude, the 2025 VEX Series reinforced Kettering’s position as a major sponsor, mentor, and host in Michigan’s robotics community. 911�� looks forward to hosting the 2026 Michigan VEX State Championship, February 27-28, 2026, sponsored by Consumers Energy.

Discover Kettering

eoboyle — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:40:45 +0000

Discover Kettering

Admissions

Campus

eoboyle Tue, 10/14/2025 - 12:40

2025-11-15T10:00:00-0500 _2025-11-15T15:00:00-0500

911��, 1700 University Ave., Flint, MI 48504

Made for high school students, transfer students, and their families, this program gives you a taste of a rigorous education that catapults your career. Listen to dynamic presentations from faculty. Tour cutting-edge labs. Hear from students about how they solve real industry problems in our one-of-a-kind Co-op program.

Transfer Preview Day

eoboyle — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:00:21 +0000

Transfer Preview Day

Campus

eoboyle Mon, 10/06/2025 - 11:00

2025-10-24T10:15:00-0400 _2025-10-24T13:15:00-0400

911��, 1700 University Ave., Flint, MI 48504

Celebrate National Transfer Week by exploring your future at 911��!

Join us for Transfer Preview Day and discover how Kettering’s unique blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op experiences can be your proving ground for success.

Hear firsthand from current students who have successfully transferred to Kettering and are now advancing their skills through hands-on learning, innovation, and real-world experience.

Whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step, this event is designed to help you navigate the transfer process and envision your future at Kettering.

Transfer Preview Day

Management Day

eoboyle — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:39:28 +0000

Management Day

Business Management

Campus

eoboyle Tue, 09/16/2025 - 15:39

2025-11-07T10:00:00-0500 _2025-11-07T13:30:00-0500

911��, 1700 University Ave., Flint, MI 48504

See what makes Kettering’s Business Management programs stand out.

On Friday, November 7, 2025, we’re inviting high school business teachers, DECA advisors, and school counselors to campus for a day designed just for you.

Why attend?

You’ll leave with a clear picture of how Kettering develops students into industry-ready business leaders from day one.

What you’ll experience:

Student Panel & Luncheon: Hear directly from students about their experiences.
Conversations that matter: Meet with Admissions, Co-op experts, and Dr. Terence J. Pitre, Dean of the School of Management.
Campus Tour (optional): See firsthand the spaces where business leaders are shaped.

At Kettering, business students don’t wait until graduation to build experience. They start full-time, paid Co-ops in their first year. By the time they graduate, they’ve built a résumé that stands out and even have the option to earn both a bachelor’s and MBA in just 5.5 years.

Don’t miss this chance to see our Co-op model in action and hear directly from the students and faculty who make it work.

Management Day at 911��

School of Management

Business Management

Discover Kettering

eoboyle — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:45:47 +0000

Discover Kettering

Admissions

Campus

eoboyle Mon, 09/15/2025 - 16:45

2025-10-18T10:00:00-0400 _2025-10-18T15:00:00-0400

911��, 1700 University Ave., Flint, MI 48504

911�� Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

rnorris — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:43:30 +0000

911�� Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

Campus

Grants

Research

rnorris Thu, 06/26/2025 - 09:43

911��’s Archives, housed at GM’s historic Durant-Dort Factory One, recently hosted Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an automotive historian whose research challenges traditional narratives surrounding transportation in the Americas.

Dr. Eaglin, Associate Professor of History at The Ohio State University and the inaugural recipient of the Society of Automotive Historians Travel-to-Collections Grant, completed her research visit this spring. Her project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, explores the powerful role cars, buses, and trucks have played in shaping communities, economies, and identities across North, South, and Central America.

“Sometimes the best discoveries come when you’re not looking for them,” Dr. Eaglin said during her presentation after concluding her research. “I came to Flint with a plan, but what I found at Kettering’s Archives expanded my project in ways I couldn’t have imagined. This is research that matters — and the team here made it possible.”

Dr. Eaglin’s research leveraged key collections, including GM World, Auto International, and materials from automotive emissions experts, to examine how transportation infrastructure and environmental factors converge in ways that still shape lives today.

“Kettering’s Archives are more than a collection of documents,” said Dawn Winans, Interim Director of the Library Special Collections. “They’re proof of engaged research and innovative ideas, just like our students and faculty. By opening our archives to scholars like Dr. Eaglin, we’re reinforcing our role as a catalyst for groundbreaking research that drives the field forward.”

Located in Factory One, a National Historic Landmark recognized as the birthplace of General Motors, Kettering’s Archives house extensive resources on automotive innovation, industry history, and the evolution of transportation. These collections give researchers firsthand access to materials that haven’t been digitized, providing a critical bridge between history and innovation.

“Auto history is more than cars,” Dr. Eaglin noted. “It’s about how people live, how they move, and how they build communities. Kettering’s Archives make that story come alive.”

As Kettering continues to champion hands-on research and real-world impact, opening its Archives to scholars from around the world is yet another way the University supports connections that drive innovation into the future.

Learn more about 911��’s Archives and research opportunities at https://libguides.kettering.edu/library.

911�� to Celebrate Class of 2025 at its Historic Atwood Stadium

rnorris — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:56:27 +0000

911�� to Celebrate Class of 2025 at its Historic Atwood Stadium

Campus

Campus Events

Commencement

rnorris Thu, 06/19/2025 - 14:56

More than 40 Students to Earn the University’s Highest Academic Honors

On June 21, 911�� will honor more than 340 undergraduates and 150 graduate students at its 2025 Commencement Ceremony. This milestone event marks not just the culmination of rigorous academic achievement but the beginning of bold career journeys.

Founded in 1919 as a night school for automotive engineers, 911�� has since become a global leader in STEM education. Through its rigorous academics and hands-on research, as well as its pioneering cooperative educational model, Kettering graduates are prepared to tackle the biggest challenges and shape the future.

The Class of 2025 arrived at Kettering during a time of rapid technological shifts and went to work, building solutions, leading innovation, and driving progress across industries. Each graduate has completed not only a rigorous academic program but also over 2.5 years of immersive Co-op experience, earning while they learn and transforming their knowledge into applied leadership. As the Class of 2025 takes its place at the forefront of tomorrow’s industries, they carry with them not just a degree, but the confidence, ingenuity, and purpose that define a Kettering education.

The Celebration of the Class of 2025 will begin the night before Commencement with the Academic Honors Banquet on June 20. The invitation-only event recognizes several outstanding groups of graduates, including:

Notable Student Accomplishments and Honors

President’s Medalists: Students who have demonstrated excellence in cooperative employment, scholarship, and community engagement.

Dakota-Duyen Thi Avallone, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Milford, MI
Joli Sage Forgach, B.S. Biochemistry, Fenton, MI
Alyssa L. Hagan, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Highland, MI
Lance Isaac Krueger Lipasek, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Washington, MI
Dylan Hoang Pham, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Lansing, MI
Varun Rallabandi, B.S. Computer Science, Troy, MI
Maggie Elizabeth Simons, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Clinton Twp, MI
Amanda Rose Smith, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Beverly Hills, MI

Sobey Scholars: Students who have been inducted into an academic honor society and Kettering’s Robot Society.

Stephen Josiah Alexander, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, La Porte, TX
Martin Ortega Cordoba, B.S. Computer Science, Clarkston, MI
Tanisha Isabella Francis, B.S. Computer Engineering, Flint, MI
Jaydin Tremayne Freeman, B.S. Computer Science, Auburn Hills, MI
Colin Leonard Mazzola, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Northville, MI
Katelyn Marie Petersdorf, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Shelby Township, MI
Isabella Catherine Weingartz, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Chesterfield, MI

Summa Cum Laude Awardees: Students who earned a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

Inti H. Aguilar Ornelas, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Flint, MI
Syed Mustafa Ahmed, B.S. Computer Engineering, Rochester Hills, MI
Dakota-Duyen Thi Avallone, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Milford, MI
Maxwell Cameron Battist, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Williamston, MI
Wyatt Matthew Bloch, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Burlington, MI
Nathan Edward Diaz Cahilig, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Warren, MI
Joseph Jerome Calamia, B.S. Electrical Engineering, St. Clair Shores, MI
Connor James Carene, B.S. Computer Science, Gaylord, MI
Noah Francis Cole, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Sterling Heights, MI
Logan Joseph Deniston, B.S. Computer Science, Portage, MI
Jonathan Henry Eby, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ida, MI
Cash Daniel Ericson, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Jonathan Andrew Gooch, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Sturgis, MI
Chad Gary Goodwine, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Shelby Township, MI
Alyssa L. Hagan, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Highland, MI
Nicholas Jeffrey Hong, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Marysville, MI
Dean Francis Kalebjian, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Columbus, MI
Daniel Walter Harrison Kamp, B.S. Computer Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Amanda Marie Koziol, B.S. Computer Science, Shelby Township, MI
Jack W. Krugh, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Chelsea, MI
Rayaansh Kumar, B.S. Computer Engineering, Flint, MI
Nicholas Michael Lipcsik, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Plymouth, MI
Matthew Joseph McMahon, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Lake Orion, MI
Adam Robert Meyer, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Warren, MI
Jacob A. Morrison, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Oxford, MI
Rebekah Marie Mosier, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Clayton, IN
Ehren Pierce Mroczek, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Mishawaka, IN
Phu Anh Nguyen, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Warren, MI
Valentino Pecaj, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Fenton, MI
Dylan Hoang Pham, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Lansing, MI
Varun Rallabandi, B.S. Computer Science, Troy, MI
Noah James Ray, B.S. Computer Science, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Portage, MI
Thomas Mark Schneider, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Oil City, PA
Alexander J. Shores, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Lapeer, MI
Amanda Rose Smith, B.S. Industrial Engineering, Beverly Hills, MI
Christa G. Spencer, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ortonville, MI
Ian David Spitael, B.S. Engineering, Saline, MI
Ryan Michael Stiles, B.S Mechanical Engineering, Gladwin, MI
Brendan Scott Sting, B.S. Computer Science, Grand Blanc, MI
Frank Vincent Tilli III, B.S. Computer Science, Clarkston, MI
Andrew Paul Tower, B.S. Chemical Engineering, East Lansing, MI
Vinh-Han Truong, B.S. Computer Science, Novi, MI
Matthew James Vanderhoff, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Sterling Heights, MI

Maggie Elizabeth Simons, Outstanding Thesis Award Winner

B.S. Chemical Engineering, Clinton Twp, Michigan

Simons is a President’s Medalist graduating Magna Cum Laude. She earned the Outstanding Thesis Award for her work, “Improving Drafting Efficiency for Patent Applications Using Generative Artificial Intelligence,” completed in collaboration with Howard and Howard Attorneys, PLLC, under Dr. Susan Farhat’s supervision. Her research explored how large language models can streamline patent application drafting, reducing time and accelerating the patent acquisition process — a critical advancement for the field of intellectual property. Simons is also a member of the Honors Program, sorority Alpha Gamma Delta, and the National Order of Omega. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Wayne State University Law School on a full-ride merit scholarship with the goal of one day practicing patent law and intellectual property law.

Maximilian J. Vanovermeer-Santamaria, Dual Degree Recipient

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, M.B.A., St. Clair Shores, Michigan

During his Co-op experiences at American Axle & Manufacturing and BAE Systems, Vanovermeer-Santamaria contributed to 3D modeling, efficiency improvements, tooling design, vehicle retrofits, and root cause analysis, demonstrating his commitment to real-world solutions. On campus, he was President of the Target Club, Treasurer of the Trap and Skeet Club, a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, the Order of the Engineer, and Gamma Sigma Alpha, the national Greek Honor Society. He has accepted a position as a rotational mechanical engineer at Williams International after graduation.

Kenteya Aavree Stubbs, Student Commencement Speaker

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Freeport, The Bahamas

Graduating Magna Cum Laude, Stubbs is a member of the Robot Honor Society, Pi Tau Sigma, the international honor society for mechanical engineers, and the National Society of Black Engineers. She distinguished herself during her Co-op at Lear Corporation, where she developed grounding system topologies for a new vehicle electrical distribution system and led a Materials Cost Excellence initiative. On campus, Stubbs served as President of the International Club and Vice President of M.A.G.I.C., and a counselor for the Academically Interested Minds summer program. She has accepted an offer to work as a product engineer in the wiring department at Lear Corporation after graduation.

The ceremony’s commencement address will be delivered by Kettering alumna Sherry House ’94, Chief Financial Officer at Ford Motor Company. Over her career, House has held influential roles across the mobility industry, from leading finance and operations at autonomous vehicle pioneer Waymo to steering Lucid Motors through its public debut and the launch of luxury electric vehicles. At Ford, House oversees all finance functions, including Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Treasury, Tax, Investor Relations, Economics, and Audit, as well as the Ford Credit business. House’s career, from early Co-op rotations to executive leadership at the forefront of the mobility sector, exemplifies the rigor, purpose, and impact that define a Kettering education. In recognition of her distinguished contributions to the global automotive industry, the University will confer upon her the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration.

The University will also honor Frank Perna, Jr. ‘60, the retired CEO of MSC Software, with the honorary Doctor of Engineering degree. Perna holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from 911��. Perna spent over 50 years as a registered Professional Engineer working at a number of industry leaders, including General Motors, Sun Electric, and Bell & Howell, among others. He now serves as Director of The Valentine Foundation, which funds critical educational and conservational activities.

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

911�� 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 911�� leads the way in building the next generation of Michigan’s innovators.

Dr. Ronald Tackett Appointed Founding Head of 911��’s New School of Foundational Studies

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

Dr. Ronald Tackett Appointed Founding Head of 911��’s New School of Foundational Studies

Campus

Faculty & Staff

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

911�� 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 911��,” 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.

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

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

911�� 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

911�� 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.

“911�� 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 911��. “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, 911�� 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 and Computer Science

Campus

Building Momentum: Kettering’s 2025 VEX Series Strengthens Michigan’s Robotics Pipeline

Discover Kettering

Transfer Preview Day

Management Day

Discover Kettering

911������ Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

911������ to Celebrate Class of 2025 at its Historic Atwood Stadium

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 911������’s New School of Foundational Studies

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

911�� Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

911�� to Celebrate Class of 2025 at its Historic Atwood Stadium

Dr. Ronald Tackett Appointed Founding Head of 911��’s New School of Foundational Studies

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