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Session 1463

Impacts of a SME MEP Grant on Manufacturing Education at Utah State University

J. Clair Batty, John K. Gershenson, Carl G. Wood Utah State University

Abstract

This paper describes the impacts a SME MEP Grant has had on Manufacturing Education at Utah State University. Accomplishments are summarized and obstacles described.

Prior to the grant period, industrial partnering was minimal and no departmental student or industrial advisory boards existed. The curriculum did not adequately address the 14 competency gaps identified in SME’s Manufacturing Education Plan: Phase I Report. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offered an ABET accredited Manufacturing Engineering program, but did not grant a degree in Manufacturing Engineering.

Direct presentations by national SME officers to the Governor of Utah, near the beginning of the grant period, increased statewide awareness of the manufacturing program at USU. The 14 competency gaps were addressed as part of an extensive curriculum reformation. Six new manufacturing courses were developed and taught. Manufacturing applications were developed and initiated in several core mechanical engineering courses. A unique and comprehensive curriculum assessment process was developed and implemented. Industrial and student advisory boards were created and empowered.

A new Engineering Design Center was created and industrial partners more extensively participated in the design process. Student internships to manufacturing industries were facilitated. The MAE Department forged a greatly strengthened partnership with the USU College of Business.

After overcoming all state and institutional barriers, plans are in place to offer the BS degree in Manufacturing Engineering at Utah State University.

Introduction

Utah State University (USU), located in rural Cache Valley some 90 miles North of Salt Lake City, has one of the twelve ABET accredited Manufacturing Engineering programs in the country. For many years the claim was made that USU had the only accredited Manufacturing Engineering program West of the Mississippi and was one of three accredited programs in the country. During an era of legislative conservatism, the Manufacturing Engineering Department at USU was merged into the Department of Mechanical Engineering and became an "option" within Mechanical Engineering. During these years, the Mechanical Engineering Department managed to maintain manufacturing accreditation in spite of reduced emphasis and support. Utah is becoming increasingly high-tech with some 3800 small manufacturing companies operating in

Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2001, American Society for Engineering Education

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Gershensen, J., & Wood, C., & Batty, J. C. (2001, June), Impacts Of A Sme Mep Grant On Manufacturing Education At Utah State University Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--9347