OSU chapter of Society of Manufacturing Engineers earns national award

Monday, December 21, 2020

The Oklahoma State University (OSU) chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) was recently recognized for placing in the top three in their Student Recruitment category.

The chapter placed first in the category of increasing chapter size by overall percentage. The chapter experienced a 200% growth during the 2019-20 academic year, a marked increase for the professional group. SME is an association of professionals, educators and students committed to helping manufacturers innovate, grow and prosper by promoting technology, developing a skilled workforce and connecting the manufacturing industry.

Dr. Hitesh Vora, assistant professor in mechanical engineering technology and faculty mentor for the OSU SME chapter, attributes the ENDEAVOR lab building and the Industrial Assessment Center as keys to the influx in recruits to SME. “ENDEAVOR provides students with state-of-the-art manufacturing technology that bridges the gap between education and industrial needs,” Vora said. “And the Industrial Assessment Center offers the service learning approach that provides students with a hands-on learning experience.”

The organization is student led with the help of faculty mentors. “It is teamwork,” Vora said. “And we appreciate the valuable efforts of the entire OSU SME student chapter committee, including past chapter president – Mr. Justin Kirby, current chapter president - Mr. Matthew Edgeller, and faculty co-mentor - Dr. Brad Rowland.”

SME is designed to help students cultivate and develop the tools for successful academic and professional careers. “SME membership offers students an opportunity to network with and visit local industry,” Vora said. “It creates valuable connections that continue beyond a campus setting.”

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Hopper | CEAT Marketing | 405-744-2745 | jeff.hopper@okstate.edu