ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ president, Dr. Robert K. McMahan, has appointed Enza Sleva as the University’s new Chief Student Experience Officer (CXO), placing the University at the forefront of a growing movement to reimagine student success and support in higher education. The newly created Cabinet-level role underscores Kettering’s commitment to innovation — not only through its rigorous academics and paid professional Co-op model but also in how the University prepares and empowers its students.

Sleva, who has led Kettering’s Co-op and Career Design team since 2022, brings more than 30 years of expertise in customer experience, operational excellence, and culture-building from her career at Ford Motor Company. While with Ford, she played a critical role in shaping customer-centric strategies that enhanced engagement, efficiency, and satisfaction — expertise she now applies to revolutionizing the student experience at Kettering.

“Enza’s work in reshaping our Co-op and Career Design team has been exceptional,” said ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “She has demonstrated what is possible when we take a comprehensive approach to the student experience. She is a leader who empowers those around her, and I have no doubt that her leadership of our new Student Experience Team will elevate our institution in profound ways.”

As one of the few CXOs in higher education, Sleva will lead a Student Experience Team focused on providing a seamless, integrated, and modern student experience. The team will unify student-facing services under a single, student—first strategy, including the Academic Success and Wellness Centers, Co-op and Career Design, Student Life, Residential Life, and Athletic and Recreation Services.

“Kettering students expect more from their education, and we are here to match that ambition,” Sleva said. “Just as great companies stress positive customer experience, we must rethink student support — not as coming from isolated departments, but as an integrated journey that anticipates needs, removes barriers, and empowers students to succeed from day one.”

The Student Experience Team brings together key areas dedicated to student success, creating a more connected and collaborative approach to fulfilling ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ’s mission of preparing students for lives of extraordinary leadership and service by linking experiential learning opportunities to rigorous academic programs. By unifying academic support, career preparation, professional development, and campus life under one umbrella, the team ensures every student has the support, resources, and opportunities needed to excel. Working closely with University leaders — including the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Registrar, the Director of Public Safety, and the Director of Dining Services — the team drives a fully integrated student experience.

“As CXO, Enza will be looking across, within, and outside our University to better understand the Kettering experience from our students’ perspectives,” Dr. McMahan said. “She and her team will also make recommendations across the University on ways we must change to ensure our students are best positioned to succeed and to do so with greater satisfaction, greater learning, and the most positive, memorable university experience possible.”

ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ announced today it has received over $1.6 million in funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through the Higher Education Strategic Initiatives. Kettering underscores its leading role in educating Michigan’s next generation of engineers and innovators by developing cutting-edge curricula in semiconductors, hydrogen fuel, and software engineering through these grants.

The MEDC grant funding is just the latest in a broad effort to advance Michigan’s semiconductor, electric vehicle (EV), and mobility sectors, making certain the state remains a leader in advanced manufacturing.

“ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ’s experiential educational model has always been focused on developing leaders that will shape the future,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ. “This funding accelerates our ability to prepare Michigan’s workforce while enhancing our capacity to equip it with the critical skills and hands-on experiences necessary to thrive in industries that will define the economy of the state for decades.”

MEDC awarded Kettering four distinct grants as part of its Higher Education Strategic Initiatives:

1. Semiconductor Curriculum Development ($320,882): Supporting the expansion of courses and resources designed to meet Michigan’s growing need for semiconductor expertise.
2. Hydrogen Fuel Curriculum ($354,202): Creating innovative programs focused on the future of hydrogen fuel technologies, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge for cutting-edge industries.
3. Software Engineering Curriculum ($287,432): Enabling the development of new courses and acquiring specialized equipment to prepare students for careers in software development and advanced systems.
4. PK-12 Engagement ($53,324): Launching summer hackathon camps to engage young students in engineering and advanced manufacturing through hands-on learning experiences.  These programs are designed to inspire the next generation of talent and provide pathways to real-world careers in high-demand fields.

In addition to curriculum grants, ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ has also secured additional funding from the MEDC Talent Solutions division for The Michigander Scholars Program, providing $5,000 and scholarships to students completing Co-ops in Michigan with select employers (many of whom are already Co-op employer partners for Kettering.) The program also helps retain top engineering talent in the state by offering $10,000 incentives for students who commit to a full-time position, staying in Michigan for at least one year after graduation.

“We’re excited about the continued partnership with ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ to nurture and develop the next generation of mobility professionals who can pursue opportunities in Michigan that offer higher-paying jobs and career advancement while at the same time building a strong pipeline of future Michigan mobility leaders,” said MEDC Executive Vice President, Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh. “The MEDC Talent Solutions division is committed to creating stronger pathways to 21st-century careers that will help cultivate, attract, and retain young talent while showcasing Michigan as a hub for a future-ready workforce essential to building a stronger economy.”

The MEDC’s Talent Solutions division consortium of EV/mobility and semiconductors partners includes more than 20 major employers and national industry groups, 17 higher education partners, and workforce and PK-12 leaders across Michigan. 

The MEDC grants to ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ are part of a combined total of nearly $30 million the MEDC has invested with Michigan’s higher education institutions that are working with advanced manufacturing employers to design and deliver a curriculum that prepares students for in-demand mobility-related careers. 

During an April press conference announcing the inaugural Michigander Scholars class, employers had the opportunity to share how ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ’s 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid professional Co-op experience fits their needs. “To say we're excited about seeing the scholars is an understatement,” said Mike Houston, Engineering and Service Manager at Hemlock Semiconductor. “We're extremely proud of our Co-op… That's the story we want to tell across the entire state… The program that Kettering has is exactly what we need. We need to be able to take the academics and shape it into a real-world experience. Tweak it. Calibrate it… to form a full-time employee.”

“ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ continues to stand as the leading partner for Michigan’s employers in advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, and semiconductor technology,” said Dr. McMahan. “Our educational model, pairing academics with our deep industry partnerships, ensures that our students not only master the essential skills needed to excel but also begin making an immediate impact on the industries they serve, driving innovation and economic growth.”

These grants provide ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ with resources to further enhance its renowned educational Co-op model through June 30, 2026. The $1.6 million in funding, including the Michigander Scholars Program, enables the University to expand Michigan’s talent pipeline and drive long-term economic growth in key industries.

Meeting the Urgent Demand for Semiconductor Talent with a High-Intensity, Industry-Focused Program

ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ is launching an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Semiconductor Materials and Devices, an industry-driven program designed for students ready to lead in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry. Built for those who thrive in demanding, hands-on environments, this program maintains Kettering’s high academic standards while delivering an efficient, immersive path to industry leadership.

A Future-Focused Degree

The semiconductor industry is at a turning point. Every modern technology — from smartphones to medical devices, electric vehicles to national defense systems — relies on semiconductors. Yet, the U.S. faces a critical shortage of engineers and scientists with the expertise to power the industry’s next chapter.

With global semiconductor supply chains under strain and the CHIPS and Science Act injecting billions into reshoring semiconductor manufacturing, the demand for highly skilled semiconductor professionals is skyrocketing. Industry leaders predict tens of thousands of new, high-paying jobs will emerge in the coming years, yet there aren’t enough trained experts to fill them.

That’s where ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ comes in.

“ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ’s educational model was built for industry, and the design of our new bachelor’s degree in semiconductors is a natural extension of that legacy,” said ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “This is the first accelerated STEM degree of its kind and a high-intensity path designed to prepare students to lead in the semiconductor revolution. It provides students an opportunity to master the science and engineering of semiconductors faster while also preserving the deep industry engagement that defines a Kettering education.”

A Workforce Solution for a Critical Industry

Semiconductors are often called the “brains” of modern technology. They are at the heart of advancements in AI, automotive automation, telecommunications, aerospace, and renewable energy. Without a robust semiconductor workforce, innovation stalls.

Kettering’s new program directly addresses this challenge, preparing students to:

â—Ź     Engineer the future of microelectronics – Mastering materials synthesis, quantum physics, photonics, and semiconductor fabrication.

â—Ź     Drive U.S. semiconductor manufacturing forward – Learning from industry-aligned faculty with expertise in materials science, optoelectronics, and solid-state physics.

â—Ź     Enter the workforce faster – Completing an intensive 115-credit curriculum in less than four years with built-in Co-op industry experience at leading semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies.

Key Program Features: Built for Impact

â—Ź     Fast track without shortcuts – A full-scale curriculum covering semiconductor materials, devices, and fabrication delivered in a high-intensity, industry-focused format.

â—Ź     Industry-integrated learning – Four required Co-op work terms provide hands-on, paid experience with semiconductor, materials, and advanced manufacturing companies.

â—Ź     Cutting-edge technology – Students will gain hands-on experience with environmental scanning electron microscopes (ESEM), X-ray diffractometers (XRD), photonics labs, Synopsys semiconductor software, and electronic design automation (EDA) tools—the same technologies driving innovation worldwide.

â—Ź     Interdisciplinary foundation â€“ A rigorous blend of physics, chemistry, and engineering prepares students for leadership in one of the world’s most critical industries.

â—Ź     Accreditation-driven design â€“ The program is structured to meet ABET accreditation standards and align with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

A Program Rooted in Kettering’s Legacy of Industry Leadership

For over a century, ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ has shaped the future of engineering, technology, and manufacturing — producing top talent for automotive, mobility, and advanced technology industries. As the U.S. semiconductor industry undergoes rapid expansion, Kettering is once again stepping up to engineer the workforce of the future.

“This program is a direct response to national and industry needs,” said Dr. James Zhang, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “Kettering has a long history of adapting education to align with industry demands, and this degree exemplifies that commitment. By combining an accelerated curriculum with deep Co-op engagement, we are preparing students for high-impact careers in a field that is critical to national security and technological innovation.”

Engineering the Leaders of the Semiconductor Revolution

Semiconductor technology is advancing faster than ever. From the development of next-generation chips that power AI to new materials driving quantum computing and photonics, the future depends on experts who can bridge science and industry.

“This program is designed for those ready to push boundaries and take on industry challenges,” said Dr. Daniel Ludwigsen, Head of the Department of Natural Sciences. “Semiconductor technology requires expertise across physics, chemistry, and engineering. Our faculty have deep expertise in materials science, optoelectronics, and quantum physics, and this program leverages that strength to ensure students graduate ready to solve real-world semiconductor challenges from day one.”

Are You Ready to Build the Future?

This is not a program for students looking for shortcuts. It’s built for those ready to step up, take on industry-defining challenges, and lead in the next generation of semiconductor technology.

*An application for this new program has been submitted to the accreditor and is pending HLC approval.

The VEX Robotics State Championship returned to ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ on February 21 and 22, bringing together 80 teams and 800 of Michigan’s top robotics students for a fast-paced, high-stakes competition that challenged their technical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

“ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ is proud to host the VEX Robotics State Championship because we know the students competing today are the engineers, coders, and industry leaders of tomorrow,” said Kim Shumaker, Director of Robotics Outreach & Robotics Center at ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ. “VEX students already think like Kettering students — they thrive on solving complex problems, working hands-on, and pushing their skills to the next level. That’s exactly what we do at Kettering.”

This premier robotics event was the culmination of a season of regional qualifiers, where top teams from across Michigan earned their place to compete for a chance to advance to the VEX World Championship. 

The VEX Robotics Competition challenged teams of high school students to design, build, and program robots to complete a specific game challenge. This year’s game, High Stakes, required teams to strategically maneuver their robots to score points by completing a series of technical and tactical objectives.

Teams competed in qualification matches Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, after which they were ranked based on their performance. The top-ranked teams then formed alliances and advanced to the elimination tournament, where they battled head-to-head in a bracket-style playoff leading to the championship match.

In addition to the main tournament, teams competed in the Skills Challenge, in which they attempted to score as many points as possible in driver-controlled and autonomous robot programming modes. Success in this event provided additional pathways to move on in competition. The following teams earned the ability to compete at the VEX World Championship this May in Texas:

• Team #39H “HNS” from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills
• Team #244D “RoboDawgs: Detritus” from Grandville Community Education in Grandville
• Team #7760X “Airplane Mode” from Bloomfield Hills
• Team #39V “Volt” from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills
• Team #248A “RoboDawgs: Starfall” from Grandville Robotics in Grandville
• Team #8626K “KACHIGGA” from Grand Rapids
• Team #36620A “Blue Crew” from Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville
• Team #39K “Rest in Pieces” from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills
• Team #11591S “Siege” from Plainwell High School in Plainwell
• Team #3333W “Power of the Square” from Notre Dame Prep in Pontiac

Consumers Energy was the event’s title sponsor this year, reinforcing its commitment to investing in Michigan’s future STEM leaders.

“Consumers Energy knows our customers count on us every day for reliable energy, and we’re counting on the next generation of Michigan students to join us in our commitment to Michigan,” said Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric grid design. “We’re excited to partner with ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ for the VEX championship and to cheer on student teams who are showing off their work in the High Stakes competition.”

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) sponsored the Robot Safety Award. “A3 was honored to support the 2025 VEX Robotics State Championship at Kettering University. Youth robotics competitions play a crucial role in preparing students to become an integral part of the future workforce in Robotics, AI, Smart Manufacturing, and Automation. Through their schools, communities, and clubs, students collaborated as teams to design, build, test, and operate robots — developing essential skills that align with the needs of more than 1,300 A3 member companies worldwide,” Said Ritch Ramey, A3 Director of Education. “Beyond building robots, these students gained the ability to create intelligent systems that can see, feel, sense, and make autonomous decisions. These critical skills set them on a path to high-paying and rewarding careers in advanced technology fields. This competition was more than just an event; it was a launch pad for future innovators and industry leaders. I commend all participants for their dedication and hard work.”

Now, in the second year of a three-year hosting partnership, Kettering has continued to expand the impact of the championship. More than just a competition, the event introduced students to Kettering’s hands-on learning environment and industry-driven Co-op program, providing a direct connection between their passion for robotics and future career opportunities.

Looking for a more interactive university tour at Kettering? Our Bulldog Preview Days are an excellent opportunity to learn more about our admissions process and Co-op program. You will have lunch at Battenburg Café with faculty, staff, and current students. During a portion of the lunch, there will be an optional student panel. Students will get hands-on experience in a lab, and parents will learn more about financing a college education. You will end the day with a guided tour of our campus.

Our Next Bulldog Preview Date is 2/17/2025. Register today.

Curious about what it's like to be a ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ student? Join us for Bulldog for a Day, where you'll spend time with current students, attend real college classes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant campus life that makes Kettering unique.

Join us for the program running from February 3 to March 14. Secure your spot today—space is limited and filling up fast.

A daily campus tours will include a walking university tour to explore campus with a current Kettering student and meet with an admissions counselor. These campus tours are held on weekdays and last about two hours.

A group visit will include an admissions presentation and a 45-minute walking tour of the campus led by a current student. The admissions presentation will offer general information about ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ, including campus life, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities.

ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ’s Robotics program has received $25,000 in grants from three organizations to support pre-college robotics camps and to purchase machining equipment for its Robotics Community Center.

Those philanthropic organizations and contributions include:

• The Arthur G. Bishop Charitable Trust - $10,000
• The James A. Welch Foundation - $10,000
• The Nartel Family Foundation - $5,000

“The grants from the Arthur G. Bishop Charitable Trust, James A. Welch Foundation, and Nartel Family Foundation will empower students in Genesee County to attend Kettering's transformative summer camps, learn new skills and explore a college campus,” said Kim Shumaker, Robotics Community Center and Robotics Outreach Director at ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ.

The 9,600-square-foot Robotics Community Center opened in 2014. It features machining and designing areas, a regulation-size practice field and bays for robotics teams to store equipment.

Kettering’s pre-college robotics camps sharpen student's collaborative problem-solving abilities through hands-on activities. Because students are interested in many different aspects of robotics, camps cover various topics from programming to design to construction to leadership. Because all camps take place at Kettering, students are immersed in the college environment and can choose between day camps and residential camps.

The $10,000 grant from the Arthur G. Bishop Charitable Trust will help Flint and Genesee County students overcome financial barriers to participating in pre-college summer camps at Kettering and gaining experience with various robotics programs, including aerial drones. The grant also helps fund Robotics Center mobile camps and workshops, which can bring fun and learning through robotics to schools or facilities in underserved communities.

"Educational opportunities in Genesee County are key to our mission, so we are honored to continue our support of ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ's stellar Engineering and Computer Science programs," said Dennis Leyder, Trustee of the Arthur G. Bishop Charitable Trust. “Besides expanding their understanding of robotics, students will gain teamwork skills to prepare them for the future. The students come away with a sense of accomplishment, and—best of all—it's fun.”

Similarly, the $10,000 grant from the James A. Welch Foundation will help reduce financial barriers for students from Genesee County, enabling them to participate in pre-college summer camps at ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ and build their interest in STEM through various robotics programs, including drones.

"The Welch Foundation has awarded many grants to ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ due to their support and outreach to Genesee County students and their cultivation and identification of talented youth," said Dr. Gail Ganakas, President of the James A Welch Foundation. "ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ’s robotics programs engage teams to explore their gifts and talents in STEM activities. Students are provided opportunities to demonstrate higher-level thinking skills that often go unrecognized."

The $5,000 grant from the Nartel Family Foundation will fund the purchase and installation of a computer numerical control (CNC) machine in the Robotics Center. Students can cut various parts using the CNC machine and learn to use more advanced robotics build concepts such as computer-aided design (CAD).

"The Nartel Family Foundation is proud of ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ's role in helping young people find their potential through pre-college programs and advanced machinery,” said Timm Allen, Communications Officer & Trustee of the Nartel Family Foundation. “We feel that what these young people learn and experience will help them in their future careers. We are honored to support ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ."

In addition to pre-college programs and machinery, gifts can also fund robotics scholarships. The University offered its first two scholarships to robotics students in 1999 and has awarded more than $5.5 million since then.

On January 22, 2024 Representative Phil Green visited ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ to acknowledge the institution's contributions to higher education and small businesses in the local community.

"It is an absolute privilege to have ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ supporting small businesses and higher education in the community," he said. "Not only do they support our businesses, but they also play a crucial role in keeping our communities running smoothly."

Rep. Green also applauded ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ's commitment to collaboration and hands-on experiences, citing it as a model for fostering innovation in both education and business sectors.

Acting as Representative Green’s campus tour guide was Janis Mueller, Regional Director of the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located on Kettering’s campus.

“One of the benefits of the SBDC at Kettering is directly connected to our students’ entrepreneurial spirit,” she explained. “At any given time, we’re working with students on funding their business ideas, helping them take an idea from business plan to operational, and often through acquisition by larger organizations. The same holds true for our clients in the Flint and surrounding community.”

As a former small business owner, Mueller knows that assisting small businesses is key to sustaining our communities.

“There are countless success stories of students, alumni, and community members building their businesses and thriving. We're honored to play a role in supporting the evolution of their business ideas,” she said. “Representative Green's visit to ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ underscores the vital role educational institutions play in shaping local economies and ensuring the success of small businesses.”

Architects and design professionals have heaped praise on the bold, innovative design of the Learning Commons, validating what ĂŰĚŇĘÓƵ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan has called "a revolution in how universities conceptualize space." 

The 105,000-square-foot Learning Commons earned the Grand Prize for higher education projects over 100,000 square feet at “Learning By Design” magazine's Fall 2023 Architecture and Interior Design Awards of Excellence program. 

"This is truly a visionary project not just for Kettering, but for the city of Flint, and for higher education across the globe,” an article in “Learning By Design” stated. “The Learning Commons marries technology and craft, academics and social, education and industry together within a facility that makes a statement for where higher education must go.”

Construction on the Learning Commons began Feb. 5, 2020. The University had a soft opening for the $63 million facility in July 2022 before its grand opening in September. The building includes a dozen d.spaces (collaboration spaces); a 200-seat auditorium; a 15,000-square-foot Maker Space; 1,600 square feet of rooftop space with hammocks and additional seating; an art gallery; and a meditation room.

“The Learning Commons transcends mere architecture; it symbolizes our distinctive and collaborative educational approach,” McMahan said. “Serving as the vibrant center of campus interaction, our students, faculty and staff are thriving within this space, surpassing our initial vision. Kettering has redefined the national perception of university spatial design. And we couldn’t be more proud.” 

Designed with no offices or classrooms, the building has become the centerpiece of campus for social and academic interactions. 

“The Learning Commons nicely integrates workplace and academic experiences,” one judge commented. “It provides a variety of spaces to meet, gather and study. The building is layered with different spaces and needs for the students from interior to exterior. The atrium is a dynamic space that seems to buzz with activity.”

Its abundant natural light and wide-open, technology-enriched spaces infuse energy throughout and enrich collegiality, collaboration and innovation.

“It’s built to encourage behaviors, not to provide space for a specific function,” McMahan said.

And it does.

When a building is designed so people can stand on one side and see through to the other side with unobstructed views throughout, it’s easy to connect and start a conversation. The stairways also encourage this behavior because they aren’t stacked. This forces people to move laterally before they can move vertically.

All open or lounge-style seating areas in the Learning Commons are different, with no two areas furnished the same way. The spaces become less formal as you move from the first to the fourth floor, something the contest jury noticed.

“This layered space emphasizes connectivity yet incorporates very individual spaces,” a judge commented. “The project incorporates able daylight and a view to the surrounding campus.”

Educators, architects and design professionals recommended by the American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Education and the Association for Learning Environments make up the jury who selected the award recipients. The projects were blind judged. The winners are featured in issue.

This isn’t the first national recognition for the building. McMahan and representatives from Stantec gave a presentation about the Learning Commons at the 2022 Society for College and University Planners Annual Conference in Long Beach, California.