Campus

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

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

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

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

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

911�� 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.

911�� Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

rnorris — Tue, 27 May 2025 12:53:52 +0000

911�� Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

rnorris Tue, 05/27/2025 - 08:53

911�� announces that Sherry House ’94, Chief Financial Officer of Ford Motor Company and an internationally recognized leader in finance and mobility innovation, will deliver the commencement address at the University’s ceremony on Saturday, June 21, at its historic Atwood Stadium. In recognition of her industry leadership and profound impact on the mobility sector, 911�� will award Sherry House the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering during the ceremony.

A transformative figure for her work helping shape the future of mobility, House has held pivotal leadership roles at Ford, Waymo, and Lucid Motors. Her work spans electric vehicles, autonomous platforms, and venture capital, driving forward innovation at the intersection of technology, business, and engineering. Her path from Co-op student to C-suite executive is a clear example of the caliber of talent Kettering creates, building high-impact leaders in fast-changing industries.

“The prestige and academic rigor of Kettering is what drew me here initially,” said House. “I was the first person in my family to earn a Bachelor's degree. Kettering enabled me to hold a corporate job at 17-years-old so that I could work while I went to school. At Kettering I learned to thrive in new situations, discovered my passion for innovation, and developed strong analytical skills.”

House earned dual degrees in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, launching her career through Kettering’s signature Co-op model. Her trajectory – from R&D engineer to financial strategist – set the tone for a career defined by both technical fluency and visionary leadership. She pushed innovation further and faster across venture capital, electric vehicle startups, and autonomous platforms in some of the biggest names in automotive manufacturing.

“The skills learned at Kettering transcend industry, function and level,” House said. “Critical thinking and a first principles mindset provides benefits in both high-growth nascent businesses, as well as legacy industries undergoing transformation. It’s not hard for me to see Kettering's impact on my own journey - not just at the outset of my career, but along the way it gave me the confidence and ability to pursue new opportunities successfully.”

“Sherry House exemplifies the kind of innovative leadership that grows from a Kettering education,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of 911��. “Her work in advancing global mobility is a testament to the impact our graduates are prepared to make. As she returns to address the Class of 2025, she brings a message of resilience, vision, and purpose. Her journey is proof of what we know: that Kettering graduates are uniquely equipped to lead through change and shape the future with intellect, integrity, and resolve.”

The 2025 Commencement will honor more than 340 undergraduates from 911��’s Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Management, and Mechanical Engineering degree programs — students who turn ambition into action and learning into leadership. Due to Kettering’s unique cooperative education model, each of these students has completed a rigorous course of study in their chosen discipline, including a master level thesis, and will have completed 2.5 years of paid Co-op work upon graduation, allowing them to start their careers in positions far beyond the entry-level. This unparalleled integration of academics and industry-embedded Co-op experience has led The Wall Street Journal to name 911�� as one of the Top 10 Schools in the Nation for Career Preparation. As such, Kettering graduates rank number one when it comes to starting salaries in Michigan (SmartAsset).

911�� will also confer more than 150 graduate degrees in Business Administration, Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Data Science and Data Analytics, Operations Management, Engineering Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering Autonomous Vehicles, Engineering Electric Vehicles, and Technical Master of Business Administration.

The University will also honor Frank Perna, Jr. ‘61, the retired CEO of MSC Software, with the degree of Doctor of Engineering, Honoris Causa. 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, Bell & Howell, Whittaker Corporation, EOS Corporation, Software.com, MagneTek, CalAmp, Inc.[CAMP], Intellect Inc., and PingID. He now serves as Director of The Valentine Foundation, which funds critical educational and conservational activities.

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.

911��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

rnorris — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:00:26 +0000

911��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

rnorris Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:00

$40,000 award expands testing and research capabilities for next-gen mobility engineers

911�� has expanded the capabilities of its Intelligent Transportation Lab (ITL) thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation. The funding supported upgrades to the lab’s equipment and space, ensuring students and faculty have access to advanced tools for real-world vehicle testing, research, and innovation.

The ITL, connected to Kettering’s Mechanical Engineering program, gives students hands-on experience with the technologies used in today’s evolving mobility industry. It supports work in vehicle dynamics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), ride quality analysis, and subsystem validation.

Recent ITL enhancements include professional-grade equipment such as a multi-channel data acquisition system, advanced sensors, and Controller Area Network (CAN) interface hardware. The improvements will support collaborative research and student projects, including developing Kettering’s Formula SAE Electric race car and vibration testing for industry partners like Yokohama Tire.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Margaret Dunning Foundation for supporting the ITL,” said Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at 911��. “This gift has enabled us to transform an already high-impact lab into a next-level learning and research environment, training students in the skills that industry demands and innovation requires.”

The ITL is key to Kettering’s commitment to giving students early, hands-on opportunities to solve complex problems using today’s industry-standard technology. By integrating real data, real vehicles, and real testing scenarios into coursework and Co-op experiences, the lab equips students to lead in Michigan’s mobility sector and beyond.

About the Margaret Dunning Foundation

The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Ms. Dunning in 1997. She was born in 1910 in Redford Township, Michigan, and moved with her mother to Plymouth in the 1920s. During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and classic car enthusiast, often participating in the Woodward Dream Cruise in her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster. Ms. Dunning passed away in 2015 at the age of 104. Her estate provided additional funding for the Foundation, which continues to support her charitable interests and preserve her legacy. Learn more at www.margaretdunningfdn.org.

College of Engineering

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

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

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

Campus

Faculty & Staff

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

911��’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:

911�� Brand Anthem

Gold ADDYs:

Film, Video, & Sound – 911�� Brand Anthem
Print, Direct Mail Campaign – Undergraduate Direct Mail Pieces
Print Magazine, Ads – 911�� Magazine

Silver ADDY:

Integrated Branded Content Campaign - 911�� 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 911�� Brand Anthem.

Cranbrook Wins Kettering’s First-Ever Bulldog Battles

rnorris — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:56:58 +0000

Cranbrook Wins Kettering’s First-Ever Bulldog Battles

rnorris Thu, 04/17/2025 - 09:56

174 students. Eleven teams. Six competitions. One trophy. Cranbrook’s computer science team came out on top — and showed why they’re ready to code their future.

Not everyone sees a coding competition as a proving ground. But the students who showed up for 911��’s first-ever Bulldog Battles? They weren’t like everyone else.

Over the course of six-weekday competitions held on the 911�� campus, more than 170 students from 11 Michigan high schools went head-to-head in a series of team-based computer programming challenges. Powered by Ford Motor Company and Kettering’s Computer Science Department, the Bulldog Battles pushed students to collaborate under pressure, debug in real-time, and solve complex problems that mirrored the challenges of a modern tech career.

“It’s not about writing the perfect code the first time,” said Joni Applefield, co-president of Cranbrook’s Computer Science Club. “It’s about learning how to think differently — how to fail fast and try again.”

Applefield, a senior at Cranbrook, led her team to victory with a record-breaking score, helping the school earn top marks in both individual and team performance. Cranbrook students placed in the top three overall among all 174 competitors.

In his remarks at the trophy presentation, Chuck Gray ’87, Ford Motor Company Vice President of Vehicle Hardware Engineering, recalled how a similar experience inspired his own path.

“One day, you’re sitting in the audience. The next, you’re designing what’s next for the industry,” he said. “The recipe is simple: curiosity, capability, and a real-world education that starts before graduation. That’s what Kettering delivers.”

From Idea to Impact

The Bulldog Battles grew from the single-day hackathon that Kettering also held. But when Kettering’s enrollment and computer science teams imagined something bigger — six events, twelve schools, and a championship trophy — the idea gained momentum.

“We believed in the students,” said Chris Nelson, administrative specialist in Kettering’s Computer Science Department. “And we knew this kind of challenge could change the game.”

With financial support from Ford, Kettering purchased 50 new laptops, secured travel and supply resources, and brought high school teams from Saginaw, Macomb, Oxford, Holt, Lake Orion, and more to campus. General Determination — Kettering’s mascot — welcomed each team, and students received swag, lunch, and a whole day immersed in the campus culture and competition.

Kettering’s Model in Action

As teams rotated through problem-solving rounds, they found support in Kettering faculty, staff, and current students, many of whom are already earning patents, coding autonomous vehicles, and helping Co-op employers across the country innovate faster.

“We wanted high school students to see what’s possible here,” said Matt Fortescue, Director of Enrollment. “Our 50-50 academic and Co-op model is all about building real experience early, and these battles gave them a glimpse of that world.”

Big Wins, Bigger Lessons

In the final event, Cranbrook returned with a new lineup of younger teammates — sophomores stepping up after seniors passed the torch. They scored even higher than the original team and completed the only 50- and 60-point problems in the entire competition series.

“They’re already thinking like leaders,” Nelson said. “Not just about solving problems — but about passing on what they’ve learned.”

The trophy now lives on Cranbrook’s campus, a physical reminder of the resilience, collaboration, and competitive drive that define both the computer science students and Kettering.

Ready to take on your own challenge?
Start building your future with real work, real results, and real impact.
Learn more about Kettering’s Computer Science program.

Computer Science

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at 911�� Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

rnorris — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:16:21 +0000

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at 911�� Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

Alumni

Campus

Mobility Research Center

Campus Events

Faculty & Staff

rnorris Wed, 04/16/2025 - 10:16

Hosted at 911��’s GM Mobility Research Center (MRC), the MichAuto Mobility Meetup on March 20 brought together Michigan’s mobility leaders, engineers, entrepreneurs, and educators for an evening focused on building connections among innovators across the state. Co-hosted by MichAauto — an initiative of the Detroit Regional Chamber — and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the event connected automotive and manufacturing leaders, start-ups, service firms, and students around a shared goal: accelerating what’s next in mobility. Guests also toured the MRC, a 21-acre proving ground for testing autonomous vehicles, electric propulsion systems, and sensor technologies.

At the Intersection of Industry and Education

Jennifer Umberger, Vice President for University Marketing and Communications, welcomed attendees and emphasized the University’s legacy as a talent engine for the automotive and mobility industries. “Whether you’ve known us as GMI or as 911��, we’ve always existed to build the future of industry — and the talent that powers it,” she said.

Kettering’s 50-50 model — equal parts rigorous academics and paid full-time Co-op — equips every student with up to two and a half years of real-world experience by the time they graduate. “That’s why our graduates are hired not just to contribute — but to lead,” Umberger added.

MichAuto: Driving Michigan’s Mobility Leadership

MichAuto is focused on strengthening Michigan’s role as a global mobility leader by advancing public-private partnerships, business innovation, and talent development. Its Mobility Meetup series creates opportunities for industry leaders, educators, startups, and students to collaborate in meaningful ways that grow careers and companies alike.

Investing in Michigan’s Talent Pipeline

Suzanne Petrusch, Interim Vice President of Enrollment, spotlighted Kettering’s leadership in the Michigander Scholars Program, which provides $5,000 to students who complete a Co-op with a Michigan employer or $10,000 to students who spend 12 months or more working full-time in the state after graduation.

“Kettering has named more Michigander Scholars than any other participating university,” Petrusch said. “That’s a reflection of our Co-op depth, employer partnerships, and our students’ readiness to drive real results — right here in Michigan.”

Built for What’s Next

The Mobility Meetup at 911�� wasn’t just a networking event but a proving ground for collaboration. For students, it reinforced how education and industry can work hand in hand. For employers, it showcased the next generation of problem solvers ready to lead Michigan’s mobility evolution. And for the state, it highlighted the power of shared investment in talent, innovation, and impact.

Kettering Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

rnorris — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:39:42 +0000

Kettering Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

Electrical Engineering

Undergraduate

rnorris Fri, 04/11/2025 - 10:39

For 911�� senior Scotty Grunwald ’26, an electrical engineering major from Riverview, Michigan, engineering has always been about more than theory — it’s about building real solutions. When he encountered the University’s newest robotic cell, he gained another opportunity to work hands-on with Kettering’s state-of-the-art robotic system, built in collaboration with Patti Engineering, Mitsubishi Electric, and Keyence Corporation.

“This was my first real attempt at a full automation system,” Grunwald said. “It was a lot harder than it looks on paper, but that’s what made it so valuable.”

The robotic cell, installed in Kettering’s engineering lab, gives students direct experience in programming and debugging industrial automation. Featuring an industrial robot and a collaborative robot, the cell performs pick-and-place operations, complete with a 3D vision system and industrial robot for unstructured material arrival, as well as the collaborative robot and a stationary camera for inspection. A flexible code base allows students to modify programming and test their solutions while safety features remain locked in place. The result is a hands-on learning tool that mirrors state-of-the-art challenges met with the precision of real-world manufacturing automation.

“Our students want to work on things that are meaningful,” said 911�� lecturer Andrew Watchorn. “This system puts cutting-edge automation technology in front of them, allowing them to see the impact of their problem-solving in real-time. That hands-on experience builds deep expertise — the kind that sets Kettering graduates apart in industry.”

The vision for the robotic cell began with Sam Hoff ’90, CEO of Patti Engineering. As a Kettering alumnus, Hoff knows firsthand the power of hands-on education and saw an opportunity to give students an advantage in automation and robotics. He approached Mitsubishi Electric with the idea, and together with Keyence, BorgWarner, and Kettering faculty, they brought the concept to life.

“We are proud to support 911��’s engineering students by providing this state-of-the-art robotic cell,” Hoff said. “This tool will offer invaluable practical experience and help equip students with the skills necessary for success in the rapidly evolving field of robotics and automation.”

For Grunwald, the experience was transformative. Although his early interests leaned toward circuit design and programming, working with the robotic cell changed how he thought about automation.

“This project definitely gave me an edge in the job market,” he said. “I can say, ‘I’ve worked with Mitsubishi PLCs before. I’ve programmed Mitsubishi robots.’ Even working with HMIs [human-machine interfaces] — it all adds to my portfolio and sets me apart.”

Few students outside of Kettering gain that competitive edge. Grunwald frequently compares notes with friends from other universities, many of whom lack access to industrial-grade automation systems.

“None of them really have experience with anything purely automation-based,” he said. “They might have a small robot in a lab, but nothing like this — nothing that could go straight into an industrial environment.”

College of Engineering

911�� Names Enza Sleva as Chief Student Experience Officer, Leading Innovative New Student Success Model

rnorris — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:17:34 +0000

911�� Names Enza Sleva as Chief Student Experience Officer, Leading Innovative New Student Success Model

Campus

Faculty & Staff

Student Life

rnorris Mon, 03/31/2025 - 08:17

911�� president, Dr. Robert K. McMahan, has appointed Enza Sleva as the University’s new Chief Student Experience Officer (CXO), placing the University at the forefront of a growing movement to reimagine student success and support in higher education. The newly created Cabinet-level role underscores Kettering’s commitment to innovation — not only through its rigorous academics and paid professional Co-op model but also in how the University prepares and empowers its students.

Sleva, who has led Kettering’s Co-op and Career Design team since 2022, brings more than 30 years of expertise in customer experience, operational excellence, and culture-building from her career at Ford Motor Company. While with Ford, she played a critical role in shaping customer-centric strategies that enhanced engagement, efficiency, and satisfaction — expertise she now applies to revolutionizing the student experience at Kettering.

“Enza’s work in reshaping our Co-op and Career Design team has been exceptional,” said 911�� President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “She has demonstrated what is possible when we take a comprehensive approach to the student experience. She is a leader who empowers those around her, and I have no doubt that her leadership of our new Student Experience Team will elevate our institution in profound ways.”

As one of the few CXOs in higher education, Sleva will lead a Student Experience Team focused on providing a seamless, integrated, and modern student experience. The team will unify student-facing services under a single, student—first strategy, including the Academic Success and Wellness Centers, Co-op and Career Design, Student Life, Residential Life, and Athletic and Recreation Services.

“Kettering students expect more from their education, and we are here to match that ambition,” Sleva said. “Just as great companies stress positive customer experience, we must rethink student support — not as coming from isolated departments, but as an integrated journey that anticipates needs, removes barriers, and empowers students to succeed from day one.”

The Student Experience Team brings together key areas dedicated to student success, creating a more connected and collaborative approach to fulfilling 911��’s mission of preparing students for lives of extraordinary leadership and service by linking experiential learning opportunities to rigorous academic programs. By unifying academic support, career preparation, professional development, and campus life under one umbrella, the team ensures every student has the support, resources, and opportunities needed to excel. Working closely with University leaders — including the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Registrar, the Director of Public Safety, and the Director of Dining Services — the team drives a fully integrated student experience.

“As CXO, Enza will be looking across, within, and outside our University to better understand the Kettering experience from our students’ perspectives,” Dr. McMahan said. “She and her team will also make recommendations across the University on ways we must change to ensure our students are best positioned to succeed and to do so with greater satisfaction, greater learning, and the most positive, memorable university experience possible.”

911�� Awarded $1.6 Million in MEDC Grants to Drive Advanced Manufacturing and Talent Development in Michigan

rnorris — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:16:10 +0000

911�� Awarded $1.6 Million in MEDC Grants to Drive Advanced Manufacturing and Talent Development in Michigan

rnorris Thu, 03/13/2025 - 10:16

911�� announced today it has received over $1.6 million in funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through the Higher Education Strategic Initiatives. Kettering underscores its leading role in educating Michigan’s next generation of engineers and innovators by developing cutting-edge curricula in semiconductors, hydrogen fuel, and software engineering through these grants.

The MEDC grant funding is just the latest in a broad effort to advance Michigan’s semiconductor, electric vehicle (EV), and mobility sectors, making certain the state remains a leader in advanced manufacturing.

“911��’s experiential educational model has always been focused on developing leaders that will shape the future,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of 911��. “This funding accelerates our ability to prepare Michigan’s workforce while enhancing our capacity to equip it with the critical skills and hands-on experiences necessary to thrive in industries that will define the economy of the state for decades.”

MEDC awarded Kettering four distinct grants as part of its Higher Education Strategic Initiatives:

Semiconductor Curriculum Development ($320,882): Supporting the expansion of courses and resources designed to meet Michigan’s growing need for semiconductor expertise.
Hydrogen Fuel Curriculum ($354,202): Creating innovative programs focused on the future of hydrogen fuel technologies, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge for cutting-edge industries.
Software Engineering Curriculum ($287,432): Enabling the development of new courses and acquiring specialized equipment to prepare students for careers in software development and advanced systems.
PK-12 Engagement ($53,324): Launching summer hackathon camps to engage young students in engineering and advanced manufacturing through hands-on learning experiences. These programs are designed to inspire the next generation of talent and provide pathways to real-world careers in high-demand fields.

In addition to curriculum grants, 911�� has also secured additional funding from the MEDC Talent Solutions division for The Michigander Scholars Program, providing $5,000 and scholarships to students completing Co-ops in Michigan with select employers (many of whom are already Co-op employer partners for Kettering.) The program also helps retain top engineering talent in the state by offering $10,000 incentives for students who commit to a full-time position, staying in Michigan for at least one year after graduation.

“We’re excited about the continued partnership with 911�� to nurture and develop the next generation of mobility professionals who can pursue opportunities in Michigan that offer higher-paying jobs and career advancement while at the same time building a strong pipeline of future Michigan mobility leaders,” said MEDC Executive Vice President, Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh. “The MEDC Talent Solutions division is committed to creating stronger pathways to 21st-century careers that will help cultivate, attract, and retain young talent while showcasing Michigan as a hub for a future-ready workforce essential to building a stronger economy.”

The MEDC’s Talent Solutions division consortium of EV/mobility and semiconductors partners includes more than 20 major employers and national industry groups, 17 higher education partners, and workforce and PK-12 leaders across Michigan.

The MEDC grants to 911�� are part of a combined total of nearly $30 million the MEDC has invested with Michigan’s higher education institutions that are working with advanced manufacturing employers to design and deliver a curriculum that prepares students for in-demand mobility-related careers.

During an April press conference announcing the inaugural Michigander Scholars class, employers had the opportunity to share how 911��’s 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid professional Co-op experience fits their needs. “To say we're excited about seeing the scholars is an understatement,” said Mike Houston, Engineering and Service Manager at Hemlock Semiconductor. “We're extremely proud of our Co-op… That's the story we want to tell across the entire state… The program that Kettering has is exactly what we need. We need to be able to take the academics and shape it into a real-world experience. Tweak it. Calibrate it… to form a full-time employee.”

“911�� continues to stand as the leading partner for Michigan’s employers in advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, and semiconductor technology,” said Dr. McMahan. “Our educational model, pairing academics with our deep industry partnerships, ensures that our students not only master the essential skills needed to excel but also begin making an immediate impact on the industries they serve, driving innovation and economic growth.”

These grants provide 911�� with resources to further enhance its renowned educational Co-op model through June 30, 2026. The $1.6 million in funding, including the Michigander Scholars Program, enables the University to expand Michigan’s talent pipeline and drive long-term economic growth in key industries.

Campus

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

911������ Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

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

911������'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

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

Cranbrook Wins Kettering’s First-Ever Bulldog Battles

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at 911������ Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

Kettering Senior Gains Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Robotic Cell

911������ Names Enza Sleva as Chief Student Experience Officer, Leading Innovative New Student Success Model

911������ Awarded $1.6 Million in MEDC Grants to Drive Advanced Manufacturing and Talent Development in Michigan

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

911�� Names Ford Motor Company CFO and Alumna Sherry House ’94 as 2025 Commencement Speaker

911��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

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

MichAuto Mobility Meetup at 911�� Fuels Partnerships for Michigan’s Mobility Future

911�� Names Enza Sleva as Chief Student Experience Officer, Leading Innovative New Student Success Model

911�� Awarded $1.6 Million in MEDC Grants to Drive Advanced Manufacturing and Talent Development in Michigan