SME Names Three Manufacturing Educators as its 2015 Distinguished Faculty Advisors

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SME, a leader in workforce development and knowledge within the manufacturing industry, has named three of its student chapter faculty advisors — Eric McKell, PE, associate professor, Brigham Young University;  Elsayed A. Orady, Ph.D., professor of manufacturing, University of Michigan-Dearborn; and Patricia Polastri, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M University-Kingsville — as its 2015 Distinguished Faculty Advisors.

SME membership caters to a variety of individuals involved in manufacturing and/or pursuing manufacturing-related degrees. Members often participate in regional senior/student chapters, which are designed to promote networking and mentoring opportunities, as well as knowledge sharing within their local communities. SME's Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award recognizes the advisors for their service to SME, and their overall efforts to create, revitalize and maintain chapters that offer students an opportunity to see how worthwhile an education and career in manufacturing is and can be.

"Our faculty advisors work tirelessly on SME's behalf to engage a crucial segment of our membership," said Thomas Bridge, PhD, LSME, CMfgE, 2015 SME Member Council chair. "This award signifies that their efforts have not gone unnoticed, and hopefully encourages them to continue their innovative, forward-thinking methods to prepare the next generation of manufacturing professionals."

As part of the awards process, the advisors were asked to submit a personal statement outlining their goals and contributions to the profession and SME.

• McKell: "This is what is important, developing a young woman or man into a professional and seeing that individual do great things in the field of manufacturing."
• Orady: "I have developed the manufacturing programs at University of Michigan-Dearborn at both undergraduate and graduate levels. My goal is to continue developing these programs and recruit students to enroll in these programs."
• Polastri: "SME taught me, when I was still a student, to recognize the importance of the manufacturing industry in the economy and development of the nation, and I am very adamant in passing that same passion to my students."

A $1,000 award was given to each advisor to use in support of student chapter activities and/or professional development opportunities. Award information, previous recipients and nomination instructions can be found at sme.org/faculty-award.

About SME Membership
SME members are manufacturing professionals, researchers, educators and students who are looking to connect with peers, gain knowledge related to manufacturing technology and trends, solve problems and participate in leadership opportunities. SME offers its members all of these benefits and more through virtual Technical Communities and webinars, in-person activities such as local chapter meetings, leadership training, conferences and trade shows, as well as student-focused programs and content that showcase the career opportunities and technology within manufacturing. SME is the go-to place for anyone wanting to network with subject-matter experts from all areas of the industry. Learn more at sme.org/join or follow @SME_Membership on Twitter.

About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skills needed for the industry. Follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.

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