Impacts Of A Sme Mep Grant On Manufacturing Education At Utah State University

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.