By Robert K. McMahan

As a university president and parent of two recent college graduates, I understand well the pressure on high school students to make wise decisions on where to continue their education. The quality of teaching and research programs, cost, location, athletics, extracurriculars and whether you feel “at home” on campus all matter, but there's a crucially important factor that too many students and their families overlook: how well your school will prepare you for life after graduation.

Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan ’97, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, a dedicated leader in engineering education, and a longtime advocate for industry collaboration, has received the 2025 SAE Forest McFarland Award for her outstanding contributions to SAE International’s engineering events. She was given the honor during the 2025 SAE World Congress Experience (WCX), held April 8 through 10 in Detroit — the premier global event for automotive engineering professionals.

Established in 1979, the Forest McFarland Award honors individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts in the planning, developing, and disseminating of technical knowledge through SAE conferences and professional development programs. Dr. Bastiaan’s decades-long leadership in organizing SAE technical sessions and fostering industry-academic engagement has made her an invaluable force within the organization.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by SAE, an organization that has shaped my own career and continues to drive progress in the industry,” Bastiaan said. “SAE has been instrumental in connecting engineers, researchers, and students in meaningful ways, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission.”

As chair of SAE’s Materials Modeling and Testing Committee, Dr. Bastiaan has played a critical role in orchestrating key sessions at WCX, ensuring the highest level of technical content and industry relevance. She leads three major sessions at WCX, including those on vehicle dynamics and tire mechanics, as well as a student-focused session, Motorsports 101, which she pioneered to give university teams a platform to present their work and engage with industry leaders.

A ɫ����Ƶ alumna and industry veteran, Dr. Bastiaan spent two decades at Roush Industries before returning to ɫ����Ƶ as a faculty member in 2015. Her deep ties to industry and dedication to hands-on education reflect ɫ����Ƶ’s commitment to producing graduates who don’t just enter the workforce — they lead it. 

At ɫ����Ƶ, Dr. Bastiaan is the Faculty Advisor to two Formula SAE teams, the Internal Combustion team and the Electric team. She is also a Faculty Co-advisor to four other SAE student teams, including AutoDrive Challenge II, Baja SAE, SAE Aero Design, and SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge.

“The WCX event is where the future of automotive engineering takes shape,” she said. “I hope my experience encourages more ɫ����Ƶ students, faculty, alumni, and stakeholders to get involved because SAE is a powerful platform for innovation and collaboration.”

With attendance reaching over 10,000 professionals annually, WCX is recognized as the cornerstone event for the automotive engineering community, attracting experts from across academia and industry to exchange cutting-edge research and best practices.

Dr. Bastiaan’s leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to student engagement exemplify ɫ����Ƶ’s legacy of producing bold, forward-thinking problem-solvers. Her recognition with the Forest McFarland Award solidifies her place among the industry’s most influential voices.

ɫ����Ƶ’s Marketing and Communications (UMC) team isn’t just winning awards — they’re setting the standard. At the 2024 American Advertising Awards (ADDYs) of Greater Flint, ɫ����Ƶ’s Brand Anthem, filmed in partnership with Carnegie Higher Ed, earned the coveted Best in Show award, the night’s top honor in the professional category.

This distinction places ɫ����Ƶ’s bold, high-impact messaging — “Not for Everyone. For You.” — at the forefront of creative excellence, standing out among the best work in the region. Judges praised the campaign's fearless approach, dynamic storytelling, and unique brand identity. In addition to winning Best in Show, ɫ����Ƶ took home three Gold ADDYs and one Silver, reinforcing the power of its brand storytelling and design.

Best in Show:

• ɫ����Ƶ Brand Anthem

Gold ADDYs:

• Film, Video, & Sound – ɫ����Ƶ Brand Anthem
• Print, Direct Mail Campaign – Undergraduate Direct Mail Pieces
• Print Magazine, Ads – ɫ����Ƶ Magazine 

Silver ADDY:

• Integrated Branded Content Campaign - ɫ����Ƶ Brand Content

Held on February 28 at Warwick Hills Country Club, the ADDY Awards recognized the region's most outstanding advertising and marketing work. ɫ����Ƶ’s gold awards moved forward to the regional multi-state competition.

ɫ����Ƶ’s UMC team also brought home multiple CUPPIE Awards at the 2025 CUPRAP Conference on  March 13 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, competing against over 400 entries from higher education institutions nationwide.

CUPPIE Awards:

• Gold – Digital - Short Form Video - Brand Anthem Video
• Silver – Marketing/Advertising - Outdoor
• Bronze – Marketing/Advertising - Branding Campaign
• Honorable Mention – Public Relations - Special Events/Virtual Events -Commencement 2025

The Carnegie and ɫ����Ƶ team also earned two awards at the 40th Annual Educational Advertising Awards. The Educational Advertising Awards is the largest educational advertising awards competition in the country. This year, over 2,000 entries were received from over 1,000 colleges, universities, and secondary schools from all fifty states and numerous foreign countries.

EDU Awards:

• Silver – ɫ����Ƶ UG Visit Display Ads
• Bronze – ɫ����Ƶ Mobile Footprint Display Ads

ɫ����Ƶ’s “Not for Everyone. For You.” campaign isn’t just a slogan — it’s a declaration. It speaks directly to those ready for the challenge, the rigor, and the career-defining opportunities ɫ����Ƶ offers. These most recent ADDY, CUPPIE, and EDU awards prove that the message resonates and that ɫ����Ƶ’s approach cuts through the noise in higher education marketing. It also proves that the University’s brand is as bold and focused as the students it attracts.

Hosted at ɫ����Ƶ’s GM Mobility Research Center (MRC), the MichAuto Mobility Meetup on March 20 brought together Michigan’s mobility leaders, engineers, entrepreneurs, and educators for an evening focused on building connections among innovators across the state. Co-hosted by MichAauto — an initiative of the Detroit Regional Chamber — and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the event connected automotive and manufacturing leaders, start-ups, service firms, and students around a shared goal: accelerating what’s next in mobility. Guests also toured the MRC, a 21-acre proving ground for testing autonomous vehicles, electric propulsion systems, and sensor technologies. 

At the Intersection of Industry and Education

Jennifer Umberger, Vice President for University Marketing and Communications, welcomed attendees and emphasized the University’s legacy as a talent engine for the automotive and mobility industries. “Whether you’ve known us as GMI or as ɫ����Ƶ, we’ve always existed to build the future of industry — and the talent that powers it,” she said.

ɫ����Ƶ’s 50-50 model — equal parts rigorous academics and paid full-time Co-op — equips every student with up to two and a half years of real-world experience by the time they graduate. “That’s why our graduates are hired not just to contribute — but to lead,” Umberger added.

MichAuto: Driving Michigan’s Mobility Leadership

MichAuto is focused on strengthening Michigan’s role as a global mobility leader by advancing public-private partnerships, business innovation, and talent development. Its Mobility Meetup series creates opportunities for industry leaders, educators, startups, and students to collaborate in meaningful ways that grow careers and companies alike.

Investing in Michigan’s Talent Pipeline

Suzanne Petrusch, Interim Vice President of Enrollment, spotlighted ɫ����Ƶ’s leadership in the Michigander Scholars Program, which provides $5,000 to students who complete a Co-op with a Michigan employer or $10,000 to students who spend 12 months or more working full-time in the state after graduation.

“ɫ����Ƶ has named more Michigander Scholars than any other participating university,” Petrusch said. “That’s a reflection of our Co-op depth, employer partnerships, and our students’ readiness to drive real results — right here in Michigan.”

Built for What’s Next

The Mobility Meetup at ɫ����Ƶ wasn’t just a networking event but a proving ground for collaboration. For students, it reinforced how education and industry can work hand in hand. For employers, it showcased the next generation of problem solvers ready to lead Michigan’s mobility evolution. And for the state, it highlighted the power of shared investment in talent, innovation, and impact.

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, ɫ����Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan challenges the status quo and offers a workforce-driven vision for higher education. With a background in science policy, venture capital, and university leadership, Dr. McMahan explains why most institutions are falling behind — and how ɫ����Ƶ’s 50/50 Co-op model keeps students ahead.

From earning $75,000 or more before graduation to developing skills in AI, sustainability, and mobility, Dr. McMahan shares how ɫ����Ƶ builds graduates who are ready to lead, starting now.

ɫ����Ƶ 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 ɫ����Ƶ’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 ɫ����Ƶ’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 ɫ����Ƶ.

“Enza’s work in reshaping our Co-op and Career Design team has been exceptional,” said ɫ����Ƶ 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.

“ɫ����Ƶ 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 ɫ����Ƶ’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 ɫ����Ƶ 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.”

Javad Baqersad, Ph.D., a ɫ����Ƶ associate professor of mechanical engineering, has been named the inaugural recipient of the D.L. Brown Award, a top honor presented by the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) for outstanding research in experimental structural dynamics.

SEM is a global professional society that leads the development and application of experimental techniques to measure how materials, components, and structures perform under real-world conditions — an approach ɫ����Ƶ faculty and students bring to industries every day.

Established in 2025, the D.L. Brown Award recognizes groundbreaking research that advances experimental methods in structural dynamics — especially in the field of vibration analysis. Dr. Baqersad’s innovative work in expanding the use of optical methods to measure vibration and dynamic deformation has direct applications in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to biomedical devices and advanced sports equipment.

“I'm deeply honored to receive the D.L. Brown Award,” Baqersad said. “This award reflects years of research, collaboration, and dedication — not only my own, but also that of my colleagues, industry partners, and especially the ɫ����Ƶ students who have been integral to these projects.”

Named for Professor Donald L. Brown, a pioneer in experimental mechanics and vibration measurement, the award honors individuals whose work has set new standards in the field. Dr. Baqersad’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of ɫ����Ƶ’s leadership in applied engineering research.

“To receive an award named for Professor Brown — whose research I have long admired and relied on — is incredibly meaningful,” said Baqersad, the award’s first-ever recipient. “He set the standard for experimental mechanics, and to be recognized in his name is humbling.”

Real-World Impact — Powered by ɫ����Ƶ Students

Dr. Baqersad’s research, much of it conducted in partnership with ɫ����Ƶ’s graduate and undergraduate students, focuses on laser-based and digital image correlation techniques to precisely measure how structures vibrate and deform — essential insights that make products safer, more durable, and more efficient.

ɫ����Ƶ students take on real roles in this research, applying advanced techniques to solve problems in industries in which performance and safety are non-negotiable. Together, they’ve tackled projects that measure:

• Vibrations in automotive components, including electric vehicle (EV) systems.
• Aerospace structures exposed to extreme stress and environmental conditions.
• Vibrations in human skin, with potential applications in biomedical engineering.
• The dynamic performance of sports equipment, informing how products feel, perform, and sound.

"At ɫ����Ƶ, we don’t just research in a lab — we solve real problems for real industries," Baqersad said. "These projects are driven by students, from building drones for vibration measurements on bridges to working with companies like Meritor to analyze heavy vehicle axles. Our students graduate ready to lead because they’ve already done the work that matters."

The D.L. Brown Award is one of only three major honors presented annually at SEM’s International Modal Analysis Conference (IMAC), the premier global forum for experimental mechanics and structural dynamics.

ɫ����Ƶ’s Archives, in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), has awarded its first-ever Travel-to-Collections Grant to Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an Associate Professor at the Ohio State University. This competitive grant, funded by SAH, supports scholars conducting in-depth research using ɫ����Ƶ’s extensive archives on automotive history.

Dr. Eaglin’s project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, received top marks from the selection committee. Her research explores how automotive dependence — particularly through cars, buses, and trucks — has shaped a uniquely American identity across North, South, and Central America from the 1950s to the present. The ɫ����Ƶ Archives, home to significant collections on automotive innovation and industry history, will provide valuable primary sources for her work.

“We are thrilled to support Dr. Eaglin’s research and to see ɫ����Ƶ’s archives contribute to groundbreaking scholarship in automotive history,” said Dina Mein, Ph.D., University Librarian at ɫ����Ƶ. “By offering this grant, we are not only aiding researchers but also strengthening ɫ����Ƶ’s role as a hub for innovation and historical study.”

The ɫ����Ƶ Archives are housed at GM’s Durant-Dort Factory One, a National Historic Landmark widely recognized as the birthplace of General Motors. The factory, originally home to the Durant-Dort Carriage Company, played a pivotal role in the early automotive industry. Today, it stands as a center for historical preservation and research, making it an ideal location for scholars studying the evolution of transportation and industry.

ɫ����Ƶ’s Archives contain three major collections focusing on the history of ɫ����Ƶ, the City of Flint, and American automotive history, including rare documents from General Motors and other key industry players. The grant is designed to assist researchers who may not have the resources to travel to Flint to explore these unique materials in person.

The Travel-to-Collections Grant is made possible through ɫ����Ƶ’s partnership with SAH, an international organization of automotive historians that includes university faculty, museum curators, and dedicated enthusiasts. This collaboration underscores ɫ����Ƶ’s commitment to advancing automotive research and fostering connections with scholars worldwide.

As part of the grant, Dr. Eaglin will visit the archive in Factory One in June 2025 to conduct her research. She will present her findings in a special lecture open to students, faculty, and the broader automotive history community.

“The work of researchers like Dr. Eaglin brings our historical materials to life,” Mein added. “When scholars write books and articles based on our collections, it highlights the importance of preserving and studying automotive history.”

For more information about ɫ����Ƶ’s Archives and research opportunities, visit .

ɫ����Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan recently sat down with Jan Griffiths, host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, to discuss the future of leadership, the changing landscape of the auto industry, and how ɫ����Ƶ’s hands-on education model prepares students to lead from day one.

Key topics from the episode:

• Redefining automotive leadership — Why the industry must move beyond outdated command-and-control structures.
• The ɫ����Ƶ advantage — From innovating in the auto industry to leading high-impact projects, ɫ����Ƶ students don’t wait until after graduation to make an impact.
• Real-time industry feedback — How ɫ����Ƶ’s 12-week rotation with corporate partners keeps students and curriculum ahead of industry trends.
• Unlocking leadership potential — Dr. McMahan shares why true leadership isn’t about power — it’s about empowering others.

On December 12, ɫ����Ƶ celebrated the outstanding achievements of its faculty and staff at the 2024 Celebration of Excellence. The event recognized individuals who exemplify the University’s core values of respect, integrity, creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

“Living our values isn’t evident in just one person or one department — it is in all of us,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ɫ����Ƶ. “Today, we celebrate and honor the collective contributions of our faculty and staff who work tirelessly — and without fanfare.” 

Charles F. ɫ����Ƶ III Bulldog Award

Named in honor of Charles F. ɫ����Ƶ III, grandson of the University’s founder, the Bulldog Award recognizes employees who go above and beyond in their roles. Recipients demonstrate tenacity, resilience, and a commitment to the University’s mission, embodying the determined spirit of ɫ����Ƶ’s bulldog mascot.

• Myra Lumpkin, Director of Student Life Student Affairs — Honored for her student-first approach and unwavering dedication to student well-being, fostering an environment where students feel supported and valued.
• Cheri Taylor, Welcome Center Associate Director — Celebrated for her meticulous attention to detail and passion for ensuring the success of recruitment and campus events, along with her steadfast support of University initiatives.
• Jeremy Sanders, University Events Planner — Recognized for his exceptional creativity and collaborative spirit, consistently exceeding expectations in his execution of events and enhancing the overall campus experience.

Research Awards

These awards honor groundbreaking research and innovation that enhance ɫ����Ƶ’s reputation as a leader in engineering, science, and applied research.

• Faculty Fellowships: Awarded to faculty members conducting innovative projects across diverse fields, including advanced manufacturing, AI, sustainable materials, and biomedical engineering. Recipients include Drs. Yufi Li, Javad Baqersad, Osama Aljarrah, Changxi Bai, Demet Usanmaz, and a collaborative team led by Drs. Asanga Manamperi and Sihe Zhang.
• Outstanding New Researcher Award: Dr. Seyed Jamaleddin Mostafavi Yazdi was honored for his pioneering work in mechanics of materials and scientific machine learning.
• Outstanding Researcher Award: Dr. Diane Peters was recognized for her sustained excellence in modeling and controls, reflecting years of dedicated inquiry and application.
• Outstanding Applied Researcher Award: Dr. Jungme Park was celebrated for impactful work in AI, autonomous driving, and intelligent systems, with results that directly benefit industry and society.
• Distinguished Researcher Award: Dr. Theresa Atkinson was commended for over a decade of contributions to biomedical engineering and injury prevention, advancing healthcare and safety.
• Rodes Professorship: Awarded to Dr. Michael Callahan for his profound research on chemical weapons and international policy, reflecting scholarly achievement and leadership.

True ɫ����Ƶ Staff Awards

The True ɫ����Ƶ Staff Awards honor individuals who live the University’s core values of respect, integrity, creativity, collaboration, and excellence. These employees consistently exceed expectations and inspire others.

• Michele Williams, Admissions Communication Plan Specialist — Recognized for her collaborative efforts and dedication to driving innovative projects, often overcoming challenges to achieve exceptional results.
• Heidi Arvin, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory Technician — Celebrated for her inclusive leadership, commitment to fostering a welcoming environment, and significant contributions to cross-disciplinary initiatives.
• Drew Kirtek, Natural Sciences Laboratory Manager — Honored for his reliability, creativity, and ability to inspire through research collaborations, educational outreach, and tireless support for University programs.

ɫ����Ƶ Online Instructor of the Year

The ɫ����Ƶ Online Instructor of the Year Award celebrates educators who demonstrate excellence in virtual learning environments, going beyond to inspire and guide their students.

• Dr. Joy Gianakura-Allen was recognized for her impactful teaching and leadership, fostering personal connections with students, and offering valuable insights that shape future leaders.

Teaching Awards

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) acknowledges faculty members who excel in pedagogy, student engagement, and educational innovation:

• CETL Distinguished Faculty Service Award: Dr. Diane Peters, for her leadership in student success initiatives and active engagement with professional organizations.
• Outstanding Teaching Awards:
  • Mr. Alan Maestri — Commended for his enthusiasm, adaptability, and ability to inspire a love for mathematics among students.
  • Dr. Corneliu Rablau — Celebrated for his engaging teaching methods and innovative use of technology in physics education.
  • Dr. Mehrdad Zadeh — Honored for fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking in computer engineering.
• Terrell Teaching Innovation Grant: Dr. Torsten Maier, for exploring the use of AI to create dynamic and personalized learning experiences.

High Five Awards

Newly added in 2024, the High Five Awards recognize employees who exemplify exceptional teamwork, positive energy, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative campus culture. This year’s recipients, chosen for their outstanding contributions to the University’s recognition program, are:

• Joe Bellor, Senior Shipping/Receiving Clerk
• Leighton Chappell, University Events & Ceremonies Coordinator
• Dotti Gouine, Digital Marketing Manager
• Chris Nelson, Computer Science Administrative Specialist
• Jeremy Sanders, University Events & Ceremonies Planner 

Staff Recognition Awards

ɫ����Ƶ recognized the dedication of employees who have reached significant career milestones. Starting with the longest-serving members, honorees included:

• 40 years: Dr. Joe Salacuse.
• 35 years: Scott Cohoon and Irene Putnam.
• 30 years: Patricia Brown, Brady Fair, Dr. Leszek Gawarecki, Michelle Gebhardt, Dr. Jeffrey Hargrove, Kelly Holmquist, Gerald Kozlowski, and Dr. Lihua Wang.
• 25 years: Dr. Ezekiel Gebissa, Dr. Craig Hoff, Susan Lafeldt, and Dr. Arnaldo Mazzei Jr.
• 20 years: Erin Bolton, Kevin Isom, and Dr. Nozar Tabrizi.
• 15 years: Bonnie Switzer and Dr. Mehrdad Zadeh.
• 10 years: Pam Batra, Douglas Bourassa, Dr. Farnaz Ghazi Nezami, Dr. Ronald Tackett, and Dr. James Zhang.
• 5 years: Lauren Arant, Anjali Barnick, Lindsey Baxter, Melanie Bazil, Professor Kristy Brinker Brouwer, Courtney Cooney, Sharrie Creasey Thorpe, Harold Dumanois, Dr. Babak Elahi, Dr. David Foster, Scott Gray, Professor John Grether, Dr. Janie Jacobs, Scott Laforest, Matthew Mead, Craig Niswonger, S.E. Pavlica, Shaeanne Riedel, Laurie Schaibly, Kimberly Shumaker, and Eric Szczepanski.

Additionally, the University welcomed 31 new employees who began their careers at ɫ����Ƶ in the past year.

In closing, Dr. McMahan reiterated the importance of the work being done at the University: “Your collective work, your belief in our ɫ����Ƶ educational process, and your commitment to our students, alumni, and our community truly make a difference.”