President

Dr. McMahan on Future U Podcast: Why Don’t More Colleges Run Co-Op Programs?

lmadaus — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:40:58 +0000

Dr. McMahan on Future U Podcast: Why Don’t More Colleges Run Co-Op Programs?

lmadaus Mon, 01/12/2026 - 09:40

As Co-op programs gain momentum nationwide, colleges and universities are under growing pressure to show that work-based learning can scale, deliver outcomes, and align with workforce needs. Yet for many institutions, cultural resistance and rigid academic structures continue to limit how deeply Co-op is embedded.

That challenge was the focus of a recent Future U podcast conversation, where 911�� President Dr. Robert K. McMahan joined hosts Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo to discuss why Co-op works best when it is not treated as an add-on, but as a core institutional design and why more colleges struggle to make that shift.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. McMahan emphasized that experiential learning delivers its greatest value when it is fully integrated into the educational model.

“The real magic of the model is in its integration into the education.”

While many universities offer internships or optional Co-op experiences, fewer than half of U.S. undergraduates complete one before graduating, according to Forbes.

At Kettering, that focus on how students learn is reflected in the institution’s structure. All undergraduate students participate in mandatory, paid Co-op experiences, beginning in their first year, which alternate between academic terms and professional placements. By graduation, Kettering students complete approximately two and a half years of paid, full-time professional experience as part of their degree requirements.

Reframing Who Higher Education Serves

At the center of this episode of Future U, and a broader debate across higher education, is a deceptively simple question: who is the “customer” of a university?

Dr. McMahan approaches the question from an operational perspective:

“From a strictly kind of operations business perspective, universities don’t like to think of themselves as businesses. In fact, they reject that characterization. But indeed, they are. They’re economic participants. And we play a very real role in establishing the trajectory of our students and the economic viability of those students in their careers.”

Within that framework, he describes how educational value is ultimately validated after graduation:

“In that sense, the student really is very much the product of the university, and the customers are the graduate schools or the organizations downline from that that hire, or that accept our students and establish the value of what we are doing and the value of their experience here.”

At Kettering, this alignment is reinforced at the start of every academic cycle. Students return from Co-op placements with direct insight into which skills matter most, which concepts translate into practice, and where their preparation can be strengthened.

The result is a student body that engages coursework differently, asking whether ideas work in practice as well as in theory, an approach reflected in Kettering’s national recognition for career preparation and post-graduation outcomes.

Why Co-Op Is Hard to Scale and Why It Still Matters

Another question posed during the episode was why more colleges have not adopted Co-op as a core requirement.

According to Dr. McMahan, the barriers are structural in nature. Successful Co-op programs require long-term employer partnerships, curricular flexibility, and a willingness to let professional experience shape academic decision-making, conditions many universities were not originally designed to support:

“Employers are operating in a different economy than higher ed was designed to serve. Our students are living in a different reality, and the country faces a different set of challenges. So we are increasingly faced with an educational structure that’s kind of discordant with the world around it.”

That misalignment, he argues, does not mean the model itself is unworkable. Rather, it highlights the degree of institutional change necessary to make the Co-op function effectively:

“It is a scalable model. It is ultimately a model that can be adopted, but it requires institutions to say we perhaps need to organize and think about what we do differently than we do today.”

The Future U conversation reframes these challenges facing higher education. The issue is no longer whether experiential learning works, but whether institutions are willing to evolve their structures to support it at scale.

In that context, Kettering’s model stands not as an exception to be replicated, but as evidence of what sustained, industry-embedded education can achieve when institutional design remains aligned with real-world outcomes.

To explore the full conversation, listen to the episode here.

911�� Joins Statewide Consortium to Strengthen National Security Research

lmadaus — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:15:02 +0000

911�� Joins Statewide Consortium to Strengthen National Security Research

Computer Science

President

Research

lmadaus Mon, 10/20/2025 - 11:15

911�� has partnered with Michigan’s leading universities to launch an initiative aimed at advancing U.S. national security through cutting-edge research, technology development, and workforce training.

This Consortium, ratified under an agreement with state and federal partners, will deliver mission-essential research in autonomy, energy resilience, advanced manufacturing, cyber-secure operations, and warfighter performance. In addition to research, it will serve as a pipeline of technical talent for the federal workforce—preparing students and faculty to address the nation’s most pressing defense challenges.

“This Consortium is a bold step toward positioning Michigan universities for University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) designation,” said John T. Gutierrez, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), Executive Director of the Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “UARC status would bring stable, long-term federal investment, expanded research opportunities, and high-paying technical jobs to the state.”

By aligning Michigan universities around a shared mission, the Consortium establishes the collaborative foundation necessary to pursue UARC designation, positioning the state among a select group of institutions nationally recognized by the Department of Defense for sensitive, high-priority research.

At Kettering, that work is already underway. The university brings one of the nation’s strongest employer networks to the Consortium, with more than 570 Co-op partners worldwide, including aerospace and defense leaders such as General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon.

“Kettering’s model uniquely prepares students to contribute to national security research by immersing them in both rigorous academic study and extended, hands-on professional experience,” said Dr. Scott Grasman, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “Unlike traditional programs where experiential learning is often limited to short-term internships, Kettering students spend nearly half of their undergraduate career embedded in industry settings. This model produces graduates who are not only technically proficient but also adept at problem-solving in complex, high-stakes environments, skills directly transferable to the demands of national security research.”

That pipeline is reinforced through the Michigander Scholars program, a statewide MEDC initiative in which Kettering plays a leading role. With its largest cohort to date, the program not only incentivizes graduates to remain in Michigan but also now includes Aerospace and Defense companies as partners, providing direct pathways into sectors aligned with the Consortium’s mission. To date, more than 150 Kettering students and alumni have been named Scholars, strengthening both Michigan’s defense economy and the nation’s security workforce.

“Retaining Michigan-trained engineering talent in the state is critical for both the Consortium and national security because it ensures that the investments made in education, training, and applied research continue to strengthen local innovation ecosystems,” said Grasman. “Michigan is already a hub for mobility, manufacturing, energy technologies, and defense industry partnerships; keeping highly skilled graduates in the region amplifies this advantage by building a concentrated talent base with specialized expertise.”

Together, these connections, academic rigor, industry collaboration, and state-backed workforce development position 911�� to expand defense-related research opportunities, accelerate the transition of innovations from lab to field, and prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists to serve the nation’s most pressing security needs.

To learn more about the Consortium, visit cmurc.com/cens.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

911�� Joins Michigan Colleges Alliance, Strengthening Workforce Development

lmadaus — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:38:27 +0000

911�� Joins Michigan Colleges Alliance, Strengthening Workforce Development

Admissions

President

lmadaus Mon, 10/06/2025 - 11:38

911�� has been welcomed as the newest member of the Michigan Colleges Alliance (MCA), a consortium of independent colleges and universities committed to producing graduates who drive Michigan’s economy forward. This milestone is especially notable: Kettering is the second institution to be admitted to MCA in the past 50 years, and the first member to be admitted in over 15 years.

The MCA is recognized for achieving some of the strongest student outcomes in the state, through initiatives such as the Kalamazoo Promise, high graduation rates and exceptional talent retention within Michigan. With Kettering’s nationally renowned Co-op education program and industry partnerships, this membership reinforces the Alliance’s position as a powerful engine for workforce and economic development.

“At 911��, our students do not merely graduate with a degree—they graduate with years of professional, industry-immersive experience, real-world problem-solving skills and demonstrated leadership,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of 911��. “Joining the Michigan Colleges Alliance affirms our shared commitment to innovation in education and to measurable student success. The Alliance’s work, from expanding access through the Kalamazoo Promise to pioneering scholarship initiatives such as the Bearcat Advantage, resonates with our mission to prepare students for lives of extraordinary leadership and service. Together, we will enhance educational opportunity across the state and advance Michigan’s leadership in technology, talent development and economic growth.”

Driving Workforce Readiness and Economic Impact

The Michigan Colleges Alliance facilitates programs that directly connect students with career opportunities and skill development. For example, the Cooperative Learning Collaborative (CLC) is a multi-disciplinary student cooperative education program that unites MCA institutions, signature employers, non-profit organizations, faculty and students to promote career readiness. Through a scaffolded approach over two academic sessions, students gain real-world work experience, leadership development and professional mentoring, while participating employers benefit from early access to top talent and faculty-guided projects that support their organizational needs.

“911�� is an ideal complement to our network,” Dr. Robert Bartlett, MCA President, added. “Its national leadership in post-graduate success is legendary. Kettering will strengthen immeasurably MCA’s work over many years in this space. I can think of no better partner institution to have in our group, as MCA members continue to innovate in producing career-ready college graduates for our state and beyond.”

Another key initiative, the Center for Advancing Student Outcomes (CASO), serves as an innovation incubator for out-of-classroom career learning. Launched in 2017, CASO has earned broad campus support as it spurs new programs to enhance student achievement. Programs launched with CASO’s support include a digital badging pilot in critical thinking, a Google Course Share Pilot connecting classrooms across multiple campuses and a collaboration with Harvard Business School Online to broaden business education opportunities. These collaborative initiatives reflect the Alliance’s commitment to educational innovation and high-impact student experiences that prepare graduates for success.

The Mackinac Roundtable on Talent, now in its 14th year, is a nationally acclaimed annual gathering hosted by MCA that brings together higher education leaders and employer executives in a talent development partnership. This unique gathering fosters cross-sector dialogue and collaboration in preparing today’s college students for successful career outcomes. More than 100 college and university presidents, as well as numerous C-Suite business leaders from over 35 states and Canada, regularly participate. The event takes place each summer at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Collectively, MCA institutions represent a significant Michigan college student population and are distinguished by:

High ROI outcomes: Students at MCA member schools graduate faster and more consistently than peers at other institutions, supported by four-year graduation rates that lead the state. They also achieve strong early-career earnings and long-term career growth, reflecting the value of an MCA education.
Career readiness: Graduates are among the most employable in the region, benefiting from programs that emphasize real-world application and professional preparation (for example, mandatory Co-op terms and industry-sponsored projects).
Workforce retention: Many MCA graduates remain in Michigan after graduation, fueling local industries and communities statewide. This retention of talent helps ensure that Michigan’s investment in education returns dividends to the state’s economy.

911�� enhances these collective strengths with its hallmark 50/50 Co-op education model, which requires every undergraduate to alternate between rigorous academic coursework and full-time employment in their field. This approach ensures that Kettering graduates enter the workforce not only with deep academic knowledge but also with substantial professional experience, a combination that accelerates careers from day one. By integrating this proven model with MCA’s network, Kettering will help broaden experiential learning opportunities for students across Michigan.

A Commitment to Michigan’s Future

Through this partnership, Kettering will collaborate with MCA to:

Expand talent pipelines in high-demand industries, including advanced manufacturing, automotive and mobility technology, health sciences and business, by connecting skilled students and graduates with leading employers in these sectors.
Elevate Michigan’s competitive advantage by graduating leaders who are both technically skilled and strategically minded, ready to drive innovation and growth in the state’s economy.
Strengthen community and economic vitality by increasing the number of graduates who remain in-state after graduation, applying their expertise locally and contributing to Michigan’s ongoing development and quality of life.

“We are excited to partner with the Michigan Colleges Alliance to open new pathways for students across Michigan,” said Matt Fortescue, Director of Enrollment at 911��. “As one of the state’s top private universities, Kettering delivers a powerful education that combines personal attention with nationally recognized outcomes. Our Co-op model aligns perfectly with MCA’s programming. With strong Co-op partnerships across Michigan, nationally and internationally, this collaboration expands access, supports affordability and connects students to top career opportunities.”

About Michigan Colleges Alliance: Michigan Colleges Alliance is a collective of nine leading independent colleges and universities located throughout the state. Established in 1949, MCA focuses on broadening college access and choice, enhancing affordability through scholarships, and connecting students to fulfilling careers via statewide corporate partnerships. The vast majority of students attending MCA member institutions are from Michigan and typically remain in the state after graduation. By uniting the strengths of its member schools, MCA serves as a powerful engine for talent development, workforce readiness, and economic vitality across the state.

911�� President Featured on Getting In: A College Coach Conversation Podcast

lmadaus — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:25:07 +0000

911�� President Featured on Getting In: A College Coach Conversation Podcast

Faculty & Staff

President

lmadaus Wed, 08/27/2025 - 13:25

911�� President Dr. Robert K. McMahan recently joined the national podcast Getting In: A College Coach Conversation to discuss Kettering’s distinctive educational model and the return on investment it delivers for students and families.

In the episode, Dr. McMahan outlined how Kettering’s 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and two and a half years of paid Co-op experience prepares graduates to thrive in high-demand industries. He also shared insights into how artificial intelligence is driving radical transformations across sectors and emphasized Kettering’s role in helping students “future-proof” their careers.

The conversation positioned Kettering as a leader in engineering, computer science, and business education—continuing its legacy from its beginnings as General Motors Institute—while underscoring the University’s reputation for student innovation and career readiness.

Listen to the full episode here: President of 911�� on Getting Organized

911�� Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure Appointments

lmadaus — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:15:38 +0000

911�� Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure Appointments

Faculty & Staff

President

lmadaus Tue, 08/12/2025 - 13:15

911�� is proud to announce the promotion and tenure appointments of four esteemed faculty members in recognition of their exceptional teaching, research, and impact on student learning.

Allan R. Taylor, Ph.D.

Promoted to Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering with Tenure
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
College of Engineering and Computer Science

Dr. Allan Taylor, a two-time Kettering graduate (B.S. ’09, M.S. ’11, Electrical Engineering), has been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. He joined Kettering’s faculty in 2014, following roles as a lecturer and research engineer. His research focuses on renewable energy systems, battery management, and electric vehicles. Last year, he spearheaded a partnership with OpenRoad, a pioneer in manufacturing portable range boosters for electric vehicles, and collaborated with Kettering students to advance EV technology. He is also the founder of ART’s Electronics & Engineering, LLC, and is known for delivering hands-on instruction in power electronics and circuit design.

Diane L. Peters, Ph.D., P.E.

Promoted to Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering and Computer Science

Dr. Diane Peters has been promoted to Professor of Mechanical Engineering. A Kettering faculty member since 2013, she is recognized nationally for her excellence in teaching and student mentorship. Earlier this year, she received the ASEE National Outstanding Teaching Award, and, in 2024, she was awarded the SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award. She also earned Kettering’s Outstanding Researcher Award and helped secure two major NSF grants supporting undergraduate research and industry collaboration. Outside of the classroom, Peters also serves as faculty advisor to the AutoDrive team.

Giuseppe Turini, Ph.D.

Promoted to Professor of Computer Science
Department of Computer Science
College of Engineering and Computer Science

Dr. Giuseppe Turini has been promoted to Professor of Computer Science. Since joining Kettering in 2012, he has led research in computer graphics, virtual and augmented reality, simulation, and intelligent systems. Originally trained in Italy, his work bridges technical depth and visual computing, with applications ranging from surgical simulation to interactive learning environments. Turini is known for translating cutting-edge computing trends into hands-on classroom experiences, preparing students for careers in AI, cybersecurity, immersive tech, and beyond.

Terence J. Pitre, Ph.D.

Appointed Professor of Accounting with Tenure
Dean, School of Management

Dr. Terence Pitre, Dean of the School of Management, has been appointed Professor with tenure. He brings more than 20 years of academic leadership, most recently serving as Dean of Business at Cal State Stanislaus. A Navy veteran, Pitre has held roles at Bowling Green State, Miami University, and others. His vision centers on experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing students to lead in today’s dynamic economy.

These promotions reflect 911��’s continued investment in faculty achievement and the advancement of scholarship, teaching, and research aligned with the University's mission to educate future leaders in engineering, science, and management.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

School of Foundational Studies

School of Management

911�� Named One of Money’s Best Colleges in America 2025

lmadaus — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:27:20 +0000

911�� Named One of Money’s Best Colleges in America 2025

President

Rankings

lmadaus Thu, 07/31/2025 - 09:27

911�� has been named one of Money’s Best Colleges in America for 2025, earning national recognition for its strong return on investment, affordability, and student outcomes.

The annual ratings evaluated more than 700 institutions, focusing on three key categories: quality of education, affordability, and alumni outcomes. Kettering stood out for its high graduation rates, competitive net price, and robust early-career earnings.

Unlike traditional rankings, Money also highlights colleges that deliver “value-added” results, measuring how well institutions support students in exceeding expected graduation and earnings benchmarks. Kettering’s distinctive academic model, blending rigorous coursework with paid, full-time Co‑op terms, delivers the measurable results and value-added performance central to Money’s methodology.

This latest recognition from Money follows a series of major milestones that reflect Kettering’s expanding national influence and future-focused approach to education.

Earlier this year, Kettering announced strategic changes to its academic framework aimed at fortifying its position at the intersection of education and industry. The transformation includes the launch of an enhanced College of Engineering and Computer Science, a new School of Foundational Studies, and an expanded Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, each designed to foster deeper integration between disciplines.

That momentum continued in July, when Kettering received formal approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to launch the nation’s first Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Semiconductor Materials and Devices — a Co-op-integrated, high-intensity degree built to fast-track students into leadership roles in one of the world’s most critical and fast-evolving industries.

Kettering’s recognition by Money affirms the strength of a model built on academic innovation, including its bold restructuring and first-in-the-nation accelerated semiconductor degree—advancing value, outcomes, and opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders.

Learn more about how Money rated the 2025 Best Colleges here.

Click here for more news from 911��.

911�� Tops List of America's Best Colleges

lmadaus — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:36:51 +0000

911�� Tops List of America's Best Colleges

Admissions

President

Rankings

lmadaus Wed, 07/02/2025 - 08:36

911�� has been named the top undergraduate institution in America’s Best Colleges Rankings by Launchpad Rankings, the joint effort of a U.S.-based group of prominent leaders from academia and industry and Education World, India’s largest human development magazine.

Unlike traditional rankings that often emphasize institutional selectivity or prestige over student experience, Launchpad’s methodology centers on indicators, such as class size, focus on faculty teaching, retention rate and experiential education opportunities, which are often considered predictive of student and workforce success. The result is a ranking that reflects how well a university delivers on the promise of education as a launchpad to a career.

At a time when students and families are increasingly focused on outcomes and return on investment in their college decision-making process, this recognition affirms Kettering’s effectiveness in preparing students for meaningful, high-impact careers. Kettering’s distinctive 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and hands-on Co-op experience, which alternates classroom instruction with paid, professional work experiences every 11 weeks over the course of a student’s entire undergraduate college career, is the centerpiece of its unique academic model. Kettering received the highest possible scores in two critical areas—teaching focus and experiential learning—underscoring the powerful impact of this signature Co-op education model.

“Today, education and career can – and ideally should – begin and develop at the same time,” said 911�� President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “At Kettering, our students not only earn one of the best undergraduate degrees in the sciences and engineering, but also graduate with up to two and a half years of professional, mentored experience in the practice of their planned professional discipline. That creates a completely different outcome. Our students often graduate into roles well beyond entry level because they’re already trusted employees.”

Kettering’s placement at the top of the rankings also reinforces the long-standing value of its deep partnerships with industry leaders in automotive, automation/autonomous vehicles, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, bioengineering, computer science/cybersecurity, and energy systems, among many other fields. These relationships ensure that graduates leave Kettering not only with a degree, but with experience, skills and a professional network that accelerates their professional journey.

Findings from other industry watchers support Launchpad’s assessment. Ranked among the top ten in career preparation by The Wall Street Journal, Kettering graduates not only often start in positions above entry level but are then fast-tracked in the early years of their career. The University boasts one of the highest annualized returns in the nation—8%, according to CollegeFactual.com—driven in part by students earning up to $100,000 through paid Co-op experiences during their college careers.

The Launchpad ranking news follows Kettering’s recent announcement of catalytic changes to its academic framework aimed at further strengthening its leadership at the intersection of education and industry. As part of the initiative, 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.

Forbes Highlights Kettering’s Co-op Model as a National ROI Leader

lmadaus — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:06:17 +0000

Forbes Highlights Kettering’s Co-op Model as a National ROI Leader

Admissions

Co-op

President

lmadaus Tue, 07/01/2025 - 10:06

In a new Forbes feature, 911�� is recognized as a national leader in aligning education with industry needs and delivering one of the highest returns on investment in higher education.

The article, “911�� Aligns College and Work to Maximize ROI,” spotlights the University’s longstanding 50/50 model, where students alternate between rigorous academic terms and full-time, paid Co-op positions with more than 550 employer partners. The piece outlines how this structure provides students with early professional experience, wages that help offset tuition, and a path to employment prior to graduation.

Kettering’s model emphasizes repeated application of knowledge in workplace settings, something President Dr. Robert K. McMahan says leads to deeper skill development. “Our graduates succeed because they have gained a level of mastery in their chosen professional discipline,” McMahan says. “Mastery is critical to their employability.”

Forbes highlights the financial and career advantages of Kettering’s approach, including above-average earnings during college, early job offers, and high post-grad employment rates. More than a century after its founding, Kettering remains focused on what matters most to students and families: outcomes.

Read the full article to see how Kettering is setting the standard for career-ready education—and why others are taking note.

Read the Forbes story here →

College of Engineering and Computer Science

School of Foundational Studies

School of Management

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

President

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.

School of Foundational Studies

President

Dr. McMahan on Future U Podcast: Why Don’t More Colleges Run Co-Op Programs?

911������ Joins Statewide Consortium to Strengthen National Security Research

911������ Joins Michigan Colleges Alliance, Strengthening Workforce Development

911������ President Featured on Getting In: A College Coach Conversation Podcast

911������ Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure Appointments

911������ Named One of Money’s Best Colleges in America 2025

911������ Tops List of America's Best Colleges

Forbes Highlights Kettering’s Co-op Model as a National ROI Leader

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�� Joins Statewide Consortium to Strengthen National Security Research

911�� Joins Michigan Colleges Alliance, Strengthening Workforce Development

911�� President Featured on Getting In: A College Coach Conversation Podcast

911�� Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure Appointments

911�� Named One of Money’s Best Colleges in America 2025

911�� Tops List of America's Best Colleges

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