Lawrence Technological University
College of Engineering
During the seven year period 2000 – 2007, the College of Engineering experienced many significant changes that benefit our students. Many new degree programs were begun, new articulation agreements were signed with community colleges, special educational initiatives were launched, funded research was greatly increased, and many renovations were made to the buildings, classrooms, and laboratories. These accomplishments resulted from a strong partnership between the four Lawrence Tech Colleges, support from many administrative and staff offices, and financial contributions from alumni, industry, government, foundations, and individuals. As the new Engineering Dean Dr. Devdas Shetty takes office in January, 2008, we are confident that he will build upon what has gone before as well as launch all-new initiatives that will take the College of Engineering to an even greater level of success. This document will provide key information about the changes that the Engineering College has seen during the last seven years.
Unique Educational Initiatives
Lear Entrepreneurial Program
In June, 2000, meetings were held with Mr. Doug DelGrosso, a senior executive at Lear Corporation. We explained our plans to develop a new entrepreneurial program in the College of Engineering. The purpose of the program is to educate students in all of the skills necessary to be a successful entrepreneur. We shared the philosophy that these skills are very important whether one is starting their own company or promoting and developing a new project within an existing company. Mr. DelGrosso fully supported the program proposal and at the June, 2000 LTU Board of Trustees meeting, he announced that Lear Corporation would be contributing $500,000 over a five year period, to support this initiative. Within a short time, new courses were developed and the program was launched for undergraduates in the College of Engineering.
A few years later, representatives from the Engineering College traveled to Wisconsin to meet with Mr. Robert Kern, founder and Chairman of Generac Corporation. Mr. Kern had invited us to present a proposal on why he should support our entrepreneurial program. Several months after we made our presentation, the Kern Family Foundation announced a grant of $270,000 for our program. This funding accelerated the development of new course modules and student entrepreneurial activities. In recent years, additional funding has been received from the Kern Family Foundation. Significant further distinction was added to the program when our Dr. Donald Carpenter and Professor Greg Feierfeil were awarded the title of KEEN Fellow by the Kern Family Foundation.
As a result of the success of the entrepreneurial program, it is being adapted and implemented in the other Lawrence Technological University Colleges.
DENSO Collaborative Learning Program
In 2001, DENSO Corporation representatives came to the Lawrence Tech campus to review our proposed Collaborative Learning Program. We described how new technology and collaborative teaching methods could be implemented at Lawrence Tech to increase participation and information retention in team learning settings. The proposal was received with strong enthusiasm by the DENSO representatives and they gained support from their company resulting in a five year grant of $245,000 for Lawrence Tech. These funds were used to establish several collaborative learning rooms and a program that has continued to a key component in both campus teaching and on-line learning programs.
Degree Programs
New Undergraduate Degree Programs
In 2003, work was begun on a proposal for a new undergraduate Bachelor’s degree program in biomedical engineering (BME). This program was one of several that constituted a new Life Sciences collaboration between the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Engineering. The BME proposal was approved, and the program was launched. Enrollment growth has been remarkably strong, and plans have been made for adding a second biomedical engineering laboratory.
In collaboration with the College of Architecture and Design, a new four-year undergraduate degree program in Transportation Design has been started. This Bachelor’s program is supported by the Ford Motor Company. Special facilities to serve Transportation Design students have been set up in the Applied Research Center on campus. The College of Architecture and Design has developed a unique integrated design studio curriculum which distinguishes this program as a leader in this important discipline.
Recognizing the continuing importance of manufacturing to the United States and Michigan in particular, a new Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Operations Engineering will begin in 2008. Many of the faculty in the Engineering College have extensive manufacturing experience which will provide a strong resource for this outstanding program. ABET accreditation for this program will be sought when the first students graduate, as is required by ABET guidelines.
The Engineering College and the College of Architecture and Design have partnered in developing a new five-year Bachelor of Architectural Engineering ABET accreditable program. It is expected to begin accepting students in fall 2008. There will be no similar programs offered within a radius of 250 miles of Lawrence Tech. Today’s modern buildings have many complex mechanical and electrical systems that seek to promote energy efficiency, utility of use, security, and adaptability while embodying beauty of design. Our Architectural Engineering program will be one of three in the United States that recognizes the need to study for five years in order to acquire superior understanding of the engineering and architectural elements of building design. The program will provide an excellent basis of preparation for those students who wish to continue their education to receive a Masters of Architecture or a Master of Architectural Engineering.
New Graduate Degree Programs
Over the last five years, the College of Engineering faculty have worked hard to develop a number of Masters Degree programs. These offerings have recognized the strong interest in our students to continue on after receiving their Bachelor of Science degrees at Lawrence Technological University. In a very competitive professional engineering environment, an advanced degree brings a valuable additional skill set into service.
A Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program was begun several years ago. Enrollment has grown at a very strong rate. There are two minors available in this program, one in Energy and one in Aeronautical. These two minors are attractive to students who plan to practice mechanical engineering in industries other than automotive manufacturing.
A Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering has also been developed and offered for several years. Enrollment in this program has surpassed expectations. This is indicative of the quality of the instruction and students’ awareness of the value of continuing on to earn an advanced degree.
A Master of Science in Mechatronics program is in its second year. Many students are entering this program. It is one of only a few in the United States, and industrial firms are very interested in hiring graduates who have knowledge of both mechanical and electrical systems.
A Master of Science in Engineering Management has been offered for several years and has significant enrollment. This degree program gives the students new and valuable insights into advanced engineering project management.
Master of Science in Construction Engineering Management has been offered since 2002. It has attracted students who want to learn the latest methods for managing major construction projects. With the amazing growth in construction projects around the world, this degree program prepares the students for great job opportunities in almost any geographical area.
A Doctor of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems has been offered since 2001. This program has attracted large numbers of students who are working full-time in industry. The teaching schedule permits them to take evening classes and their regular jobs typically generate dissertation topics which are very important to their employers.
