2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog - Kettering University

2 / Kettering University
History
In 1919, in response to the need for engineers, managers, designers, and technicians in the growing auto industry, the Industrial Fellowship
of Flint endorsed the opening of a night school under the direction of Albert Sobey -- the School of Automotive Trades -- to train engineering
and management personnel. Among those business leaders with a strong interest in the school was Dayton industrialist Charles F. (Boss)
Kettering.
In 1923, the school became the Flint Institute of Technology. A four-year cooperative program was established, and more than 600 students
were enrolled.
Recognizing the potential of cooperative education, the General Motors Corporation took over financial support of the school in 1926,
called it the General Motors Institute, and started utilizing the facility to develop its own engineers and managers.
In 1945, the Institute added a fifth-year thesis requirement and became a degree-granting college with a continuing commitment to its
cooperative program.
Independence came in the year 1982 as GM divested itself of ownership. With independence came another name change -- to GMI
Engineering & Management Institute. Administrators decided to keep the proven cooperative program and expand the number of employers.
Today there are over 700 companies employing students in 800 locations throughout North America and in Europe, Asia, and Central
America.
Current co-op employers cover the full range of industries including the auto industry, delivery services, aerospace, paper products, banking,
metallurgical, health care, and more.
Also in 1982, a video-based program leading to a Master's degree in Manufacturing Management was first offered. A Master's degree in
Engineering was added in 1990. A Master's degree in Operations Management was added in 1999. A Master's degree in Engineering
Management was added in 2001. A Master's degree of Business Administration was added in 2007. A Bachelor-Master's program is available
to qualifying students. This program can be completed in five years.
On January 1, 1998,GMI changed its name to honor a man who was a strong influence in the founding of the university and in the concept
of cooperative education, Charles "Boss" Kettering.
As Kettering University, the school will continue its historic role of educating top executives and engineers for the businesses and industries
of the world.
Endowed Chairs
Endowed chairs are among the traditional hallmarks of the best institutions of higher education and Kettering University is particularly
proud to have been singled out for five such chairs since its independence. Outstanding teacher/scholars are named to hold these distinguished
positions--to the benefit of students throughout the University.
The Frances Willson Thompson Chair of Leadership Studies was established by Mrs. Thompson of Flint, Michigan. It memorializes the role
that members of her family have played in the development of American industry, particularly William C. Durant and Governor Henry
Howland Crapo.
The Eugene W. Kettering Chair of Power Engineering, was endowed by the Kettering Fund of Dayton, Ohio, in honor of Eugene W.
Kettering who had a distinguished career in the field of diesel locomotion and was a prominent philanthropist.
The F. James McDonald Chair of Industrial Management was endowed by nearly 700 GM dealers throughout the United States in honor of
Mr. McDonald’s many contributions to the automotive industry. A 1944 graduate of GMI/Kettering, Mr. McDonald is retired president of
General Motors Corporation.
The Richard Terrell Chair of Academic Leadership was established by the Kettering Board of Trustees to honor Terrell, a retired vice
chairman of General Motors Corporation, who served 19 years on the Board. The Terrell Chair supports academic research and the development
of projects and programs designed to enhance teaching excellence.
The Alfred Grava Chair in Manufacturing Management was endowed by Dr. and Mrs. Martin (Skip) Walker to honor the late Al Grava.
Walker, a 1954 GMI graduate and former chairman/CEO of the M.A. Hanna Company, and Grava, a 1957 GMI graduate and former
president of Masco-Tech Automotive Systems Group, were classmates at GMI and lifelong friends.
The Robert and Claire Reiss Chair of Industrial Engineering was established by Robert E. Reiss and his wife Claire. Bob is a 1960 Industrial
Engineering graduate and former member of the university’s Board of Trustees. He was President and CEO of Interventional Technologies,
a company he founded and later sold to Boston Scientific. The chair focuses on both teaching and research within an area of concentration
relating to industrial engineering.