Michigan Tech Global Campus News

Tag: Nexteer

MAHLE and MTU: Moving Forward Together

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Leaders from MAHLE and Michigan Tech gather at the signing ceremony.
Leaders from MAHLE and Michigan Technological University gather at the signing ceremony.

MAHLE is excited to partner with Michigan Tech on the Corporate Education Fellowship. This partnership not only allows employees to steer their professional development and open new pathways for internal career mobility, but also allows MAHLE to proactively support the development of our employees to meet the evolving demand for new skills and competencies.

This fellowship, when coupled with MAHLE’s Educational Reimbursement, provides employees with the ability to access affordable education through Michigan Tech’s online programs, offering flexibility to learn at their own pace, while balancing their personal life and work. We look forward to a successful partnership that will help to further prepare MAHLE and our employees as our industry transforms toward a decarbonized future.

President of MAHLE Peter Lynch

On Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, Michigan Technological University signed a Corporate Education Partnership Agreement with MAHLE Industries Inc. MAHLE is a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry.

The partnership agreement was signed at MAHLE’s North American headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan. President Richard Koubek and David Lawrence (vice president for Global Campus and continuing education) were present for Michigan Tech. Peter Lynch (president of MAHLE) and Tiffiney Woznak, (director of Talent Management, MAHLE North America) represented MAHLE. Other leaders from both organizations also attended.

Richard Koubek and Peter Lynch sign the fellowship agreement.
President Koubek and MAHLE President Peter Lynch sign the fellowship agreement.
Jacque Smith, director of Graduate Enrollment Services; and Peter Lynch chat.
Jacque Smith, director of Graduate Enrollment Services, and Peter Lynch, president of MAHLE chat.

Growing With Their Organizations

The Corporate Education Fellowship supports MAHLE employees in their pursuit of graduate education through Michigan Tech’s Global Campus. Eligible employees will receive fellowships to enroll in one of Michigan Tech’s online graduate certificates or master’s degree programs.

A hard copy of the MAHLE Corporate Education Fellowship Agreement that people sign.
The signing documents for the corporate fellowship agreement.

With this fellowship, employees can acquire industry-needed skills, follow areas of professional interest, and meet the diverse challenges of the ever-evolving automotive industry.

And they can achieve these benefits while studying online through Global Campus. As many of us understand, earning a credential while staying on the job is very convenient for working professionals.

These fellowships are available for up to four years. Recipients must meet the eligibility requirements of both the fellowship program and the scholastic standards of Michigan Tech’s Graduate School.

This program is part of the connected missions of Global Campus: building relationships between academia and industry, making quality online education more accessible to a diverse population of adult learners, and helping professionals advance and grow with their workplaces.

So far, several MAHLE associates have expressed a deep interest in this program.

Tiffiney Woznak stands in front of a picture of American NASCAR legend Richard Petty and the car Petty’s Garage helped design for MAHLE. Using MAHLE components, Petty’s Garage builds supercharged high-horsepower engines for one-of-a-kind-vehicles.

Tiffiney Woznak shows President Koubek the MAHLE car that Petty helped design.
Tiffiney Woznak (head of Talent Management for MAHLE North America) talks to President Koubek.

Partnering With MAHLE

If you haven’t heard of MAHLE, it is a global powerhouse. It has approximately 72,000 employees working in more than 30 countries. The company also boasts 152 production locations and 12 major research and development centers. As a global leader in technology, MAHLE has been proudly shaping the future of mobility and transforming the automotive industry for more than 100 years. It is known for being a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry with customers in both passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors.

And you’ve probably been in the presence of a MAHLE part or two, as well. That is, this company’s components reside in about 50% of all the passenger and commercial vehicles on the road.

MAHLE’s portfolio is also wide. The company is also involved with industrial applications, as well as both small and large engine components. One of the company’s newest technological ventures is investing in e-bikes and smart bike accessories. E-bikes tend to be remarkably heavy, but MAHLE is changing the game with its ultra-light drive systems.

Collaborating With Companies Making a Difference

MAHLE has a rich past, but like Michigan Tech, it also has ambitious future-changing initiatives.

That is, one of the company’s main and ambitious goals is working towards climate-neutral mobility. To that end, it is focusing “on the strategic areas of electrification and thermal management as well as further technology fields to reduce CO2 emissions, such as fuel cells or highly efficient combustion engines that also run on hydrogen or synthetic fuels” (MAHLE). The company is also striving to improve “the triad of sustainable drives”: the electric motor, the fuel cell, and the non-fossil-fuel-powered intelligent internal combustion engine.

In other words, MAHLE, is both a presence in the vehicular industries and a crucial driver in the global move towards electrification and environmental sustainability. Its leadership in both of these areas make it a natural fit for Michigan Tech.

That is, MTU has a long history of working with the automotive industry and collaborating with other future-forward companies. For instance, in Nov. 2022, MTU signed a fellowship agreement with Nexteer Automotive. Nexteer is respected for delivering high-quality, next-level electric power and steer-by-wire systems, steering columns, driveline systems, and driver-assistance systems. And in August, ITC, a company committed to solving next-generation electricity infrastructure challenges, also partnered with MTU.

Pursuing Advanced Education: An Ongoing Journey

President Koubek confirmed the need for employees to earn advanced degres. From his experience, he knows well that all employees and leaders must continuously improve their skills to not only help their organizations succeed, but also meet upcoming technological challenges. He stressed that education, rather than an endpoint, is an ongoing process.

“I think we’re at a point in time where change is happening so fast . . . . It’s almost an expectation in the world now, especially in the technological fields, that you’re continuing your advanced education, that you’re never really done, and that there is always room to grow.”

Richard Koubek

Michigan Tech looks forward to working with MAHLE and to helping grow its success.

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David Lawrence: One Man, Several Missions

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Vice President David Lawrence in his Grand Rapids office

“I am deeply committed to the success of our students. That is, as Vice President for Global Campus and Continuing Education, I want to ensure that students have the programs and support systems they need to embark on and succeed in their unique educational journeys. . . . I am thrilled to continue collaborating with faculty members and researchers to develop new ideas and initiatives. Overall, it is an honor to enhance the university’s reputation and prestige while achieving our fundamental goals for students, faculty and staff, and the institution as a whole.”

David Lawrence, Vice President for Global Campus and Continuing Education

Catching Up With the Vice President for Global Campus

40: That is the number of times that David Lawrence, Vice President for Global Campus and Continuing Education, has traveled since assuming this role in August 2021. Whether it’s by car or by plane, or both, David Lawrence will make the trip to advance the goals of both Michigan Tech and its Global Campus. He is always on the road to seek opportunities, build connections, and initiate partnerships. And he rarely, if ever, skips a beat. As his team can attest, he regularly takes meetings in his car or tucked away in some cubicle in an airport.

Although based in Grand Rapids, remotely-working Lawrence hasn’t had much time to sit still. He has traveled to Detroit, Auburn Hills, Lansing, Traverse City, and Kalamazoo. Furthermore, he has visited the Michigan Tech campus at least twenty times.

Not surprisingly, his work ethic and traveling schedule come with some remarkably early hours. He’s usually up before the birds, in fact. You can find him in his seat by 4:30 am, planning his day, setting up appointments, and getting work done.

What’s more: he maintains this schedule while being a proud father of five children and a devoted husband of thirty years. Impressive indeed.

Putting His Passion for Online Learning to Work

He has always had this drive, too, especially when it comes to online learning. That is, he has long been dedicated to providing students with opportunities to accomplish their educational and professional goals. Early on, he understood how the flexibility of online education could allow students to learn while balancing their families and lives. So it is natural that he is leading the charge on making education attainable, affordable, and accessible for non-traditional students.

Passionate, ambitious, forward-thinking, and productive: these adjectives describe David Lawrence to a tee.

Luckily, I was able to catch up with Lawrence after the beginning of the Spring 2023 semester: one of those rare quieter weeks. The goals: asking him about his past year at the helm of Global Campus and inquiring about his upcoming plans for 2023.

Recalling a Very Busy Year for Global Campus

It’s been a very busy year for you. Congratulations! Could you summarize some of the Global Campus accomplishments and initiatives?

Well, first, I’ll talk about enrollment. Through our various Global Campus initiatives, we’ve increased both online graduate student applications and enrollment. That is, applications are up by 7% for Fall 22 and by over 58% for Spring 23. Also, enrollment grew by 13% for Fall 22 and by 28% for Spring 23. In fact, the Global Campus is approaching 20% of the Graduate School’s enrollment. Professional Development revenue also grew to over $350,000.

Over the past year, I have worked diligently to broaden and diversify our student body. For instance, I’ve led the initiative for our corporate partnership programs, which include our Corporate Education Fellowship Program. The latter allows employees to return to school using Michigan Tech fellowships. It also provides opportunities for working adults to enroll in our programs.

In other words, it’s been a good year, one involving several initiatives at the university. Considerable time has been spent with faculty and chairs to ensure that Michigan Tech is in the best position to be the leading institution in online programs. I’ve collaborated with the Graduate School and the Office of Financial Aid to allow students to apply for and receive financial aid for graduate certificate programs.

Advancing the Interests of Michigan Tech and Global Campus

These are impressive initiatives. Some of these seem directly related to Global Campus whereas others do not. Can you further explain your reasoning for pursuing these projects?

Well, I’ll start with the ones that are related. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) proposals benefit the Global Campus. They especially help the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as well as APS Labs. Our MEDC partnership aligns directly with the Global Campus goals for graduate certificates and master’s programs.

And then there are the funding opportunities I’ve participated in. That is, I was involved in two statewide initiatives led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). They were for the automotive industry and the upcoming semiconductor onshoring plan. Both of these initiatives will bring funding and new students to the university. For instance, for the automotive one, we’ve already been chosen for a $165,000 grant for education.

Moving Beyond Siloed Initiatives

At the same time, I understand the importance of non-siloed work that benefits the entire organization. For example, the Global Campus partnered internally with APS Mobile Labs and externally with Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) in the Propulsion Systems Readiness Program (PReP). Though unrelated to Global Campus, this program does support our undergraduate students. The PReP allows 4th and 5th-year Michigan Tech students to begin a specialized education program, receive scholarships and internships, and begin a career pathway at Stellantis. Additionally, the Henry Ford Corporate Partnership also reaches out to undergraduate students. It provides scholarships and allow them to attend MTU.

I do believe that a rising tide lifts all boats. What we pursue at Global Campus ends up going beyond it: supporting many other departments and forwarding the progress of the university’s goals. That is, our Global Campus initiatives leverage new and existing relationships and ensure that Michigan Tech maintains its national prominence.

David Lawrence, Vice President for Global Campus and Continuing Education

Remembering Rewarding Experiences

Describe some of your favorite moments and experiences of 2022.

One of the best moments of the year was signing the Corporate Education Fellowship Agreement at Nexteer Automotive. With partnerships like these, we are able to create pathways for employees to pursue Michigan Tech’s graduate programs. We had an impressive number of attendees at our presentations, too. And, of course, spending time on Nexteer’s test track and touring their facility were fun. Nexteer has enrolled five new employees for our spring semester and we have over fifteen applications in for future semesters.

Also, working with the Advanced Power Research Labs to advance the customized training initiative for companies such as Stellantis and Borg Warner has been rewarding. It is an honor and a joy to see employees beginning their education through professional development at Michigan Tech. In fact, over 150 employees from Stellantis and BorgWarner have been through the Mobile Lab training program during 2022.

It was an honor to meet the army chief of staff while I was with the Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) in Houghton. We discussed how Michigan Tech’s education and training could positively impact our National Defense system. I also enjoyed touring Advanced Power System (APS) Labs and visiting the Keweenaw Research Center. Meeting with President Koubek about how Global Campus contributes to Michigan Tech’s mission and vision was, and always is, gratifying.

Leaders from Global Campus and Nexteer at the Corporate Education Fellowship Agreement Ceremony.
At the signing ceremony for the Nexteer Corporate Education Fellowship, leaders from Michigan Tech and Nexteer stand in the background while Robin Milavec (President, CTO, CSO, & Executive Board Director of Nexteer) and President Richard Koubek shake hands. Fifth from the right is Vice President David Lawrence, who is standing in front of Jacque Smith, Director of Graduate School Operations and Enrollment Services. Amanda Irwin, Enrollment Manager, stands on the far right.

Collaborating With the Michigan Tech Community

What Michigan Tech community members have you worked with to advance Global Campus initiatives?

There are almost too many people to mention. I mean, so many people have contributed their hours and their expertise to our initiatives. Still, I will name a few: Dave Reed, Vice President for Research; Andrew Storer, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Will Cantrell, Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School. They have all helped advance our objectives.

And several deans have also contributed to Global Campus initiatives. Dean Callahan, Dean Hemmer, Dean Johnson, and Dean Livesay have all been collaborators. Department chairs, such as Jason Blough, Jin Choi, Dan Fuhrmann, John Irwin, Audra Morse, and Jiguang Sun have also supported in and/or led our projects. Then there are the faculty, such as Glen Archer and Guy Hembroff; and the graduate program chairs, which include Paul Bergstrom and Wayne Weaver. In addition, Jay Meldrum (Keweenaw Research Center); and Jeff Naber, Jeremy Worm, and his fine staff at APS Mobile Labs have also been indispensable.

Working Remotely With a Small Team

You’re a remote (but extremely well-traveled vice president) who also has a remote team. Can you say a little about your team and how do they advance the goals and initiatives of Global Campus?

Our small, but mighty and dedicated team comprises Jacque Smith, Director of Graduate School Operations and Enrollment Services; Amanda Irwin, Enrollment Manager; and Shelly Galliah, Marketing and Content Manager.

While devoted to the Graduate School, Jacque Smith has significantly contributed to Global Campus. He has provided advice, direction, and support from its inception to its current state. His experience is indispensable. He knows everyone and is respected, if not loved, by many in the Michigan Tech community.

Amanda Irwin, who began in February of 2022, contributes extensive enrollment experience from both a private university and a community college. Residing in Midland, Michigan, Amanda assists students from the initial inquiry through to the program and registration processes. Her strengths are working with all types of students, making them feel at ease, comprehending their goals, and guiding them toward success.

Shelly Galliah, who began in May 2022, resides in Hancock but works from home. She has held various positions at Tech for the past decade. Holding a Ph.D. from the Humanities Department, Shelly has experience designing and leading online courses, writing professional and technical communication, evaluating countless documents, and teaching MTU students. She writes, researches, and copy edits all kinds of communications for Global Campus.

Leading With Trust and Vision

In your opinion, what is essential for a remote team working together successfully?

Trust is definitely fundamental to remote work. Possessing high-quality individuals who work with dedication and initiative allows the university to have the best employees possible and create the optimal working environment.

The dynamics of working together are complex but rewarding. They include trusting each other, communicating clearly, understanding goals, prioritizing tasks, and focusing on short- and long-term strategies and initiatives. Working remotely can be challenging, but it also creates skills that will be definitely be in high demand in the future, such as conducting productive brainstorming sessions, holding productive virtual meetings, and fostering teamwork.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

What are some of the more challenging aspects of your job?

Well, I would say that one of the most challenging aspects of my position is spreading awareness about the benefits of online education and about Global Campus itself. Although online education is not new, it is newer in some areas of Michigan Tech.

Location is so important to our identity as a university. Therefore, it is often difficult for prospective students to see Tech as offering that same rigorous, high-quality education online. Another associated challenge is determining which programs can be delivered online.

I noticed you didn’t mention the traveling. Surely, that has to be tough. What advice can you give to those who travel regularly?

Traveling is just a part of my job; it’s not really a challenge if you’re prepared for it. Still, my travel advice is to plan, plan, plan. The rigorous schedule, demands, and expectations of the meetings, as well as the outcomes that must result from the meetings, can sometimes make travel difficult. My advice for frequent travelers is quite simple: stay focused, have a plan, and get follow-up afterward. Ensure that the meetings you attend are necessary and cannot be accomplished in a remote venue.

Also, make sure that your family and close associates know and support your schedule. Being prepared to delegate while traveling will allow you to be more productive. I would recommend sticking to a schedule and routine that allows you to take care of your health and that provides mental breaks

Looking Forward to 2023

Considering your past successes and your future goals, what parts of your job or initiatives are you most passionate about? And why?

I remain deeply committed to the success of our students. That is, as Vice President for Global Campus and Continuing Education, I want to ensure that students have the programs and support systems they need to embark on and succeed in their unique educational journeys. I am very passionate about establishing internal partnerships with university departments and external ones with organizations, associations, and nonprofits. Lastly, I am thrilled to continue collaborating with faculty members and researchers to develop new ideas and initiatives. Overall, it is an honor to enhance the university’s reputation and prestige while achieving our fundamental goals for students, faculty and staff, and the institution as a whole.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

It is gratifying to hear the stories of our alumni, visit corporations with Tech connections and tour their facilities, and observe MTU’s impact on the state, the nation, and beyond. These experiences not only make me proud of the university but also inspire me to advocate for the university and spread the good news about our achievements.

Whether it is through increasing enrollment, developing initiatives, or building partnerships, I look forward to promoting and growing Global Campus in Michigan, the United States, and, of course, the world.

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Michigan Tech Joins Nexteer in Fellowship Education Partnership

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Sign at Nexteer welcoming MTU to its organization.

Electric vehicles. Connected software-enabled automobiles. Advanced electric power and steer-by-wire systems. As these advances and others demonstrate, keeping pace with the transformation of technologies in the automotive industry is both an opportunity and a challenge. Both Michigan Technological University and Nexteer Automotive understand that higher education offers one avenue to develop solutions for these evolving trends and technologies.beteen

Therefore, to help meet ongoing industry needs, Michigan Tech and Nexteer have joined forces.

On October 20, 2022, leaders from Michigan Tech and Global Campus visited Nexteer Automotive’s Global Technical Center in Saginaw, Michigan. The purpose: signing an Education Partnership Agreement with Nexteer Automotive.

This unique agreement will allow Nexteer employees to pursue advanced degrees from Michigan Tech. By doing so, they get to develop their interests, level up their education, and acquire in-demand skills. Furthermore, employees will also gain the benefits of furthering their own competitive advantages while acquiring the industry-specific knowledge needed for Nexteer’s high-growth areas. And for Nexteer, this fellowship will attract, retain, and grow its talented workforce. 

How does this partnership work? Current Nexteer employees will receive fellowships to enroll in one of Michigan Tech’s online graduate certificates or master’s degree programs. These fellowships are available for up to four years, provided the recipients continue to meet Tech’s eligibility requirements.

The CEO of Nexteer and the president of MTU shake hands at a table over the signing of Michigan Tech's Corporate Education Fellowship. In the background are leaders from their organization.
Leaders from Michigan Tech and Nexteer at the signing ceremony. Robin Milavec (President, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Sales Officer, & Executive Board Director of Nexteer) shakes hands with Michigan Tech President Richard Koubek.

Building Bridges with Nexteer Automotive

The fellowship program is part of Global Campus’s missions to a) build relationships between academia and industry; and b) make quality online education more accessible to diverse adult learners.

Robin Milavec, Nexteer’s President, CTO, CSO, & Executive Board Director, also spoke of the importance of partnerships between industry and education. He recognized that Nexteer resides in a “dynamic environment where technology is rapidly changing.” Collaborating with a university, then, make sense. This program, which makes “continuing educational development opportunities” more accessible, will help Nexteer achieve its goals.

Overall, it’s a win-win relationship. That is, Nexteer gets to “to tap into a very rich pipeline of talent and skills that we need to fuel our future growth.” Also, Michigan Tech is “able to tap into industry and see their challenges.”

Milavec also recognized the competencies and preparedness of Michigan Tech graduates, noting their valued ability to “hit the ground running.”

Robin Milavec, President, CTO, CSO, & Executive Board Director of Nexteer

In terms of attracting, retaining, and growing our employees, the partnership with Michigan Tech is really one of the foundational elements of our future. . . it gives us that lifeline into continuing education so our employees can continue to develop and help us solve our industry-specific problems.

Robin Milavec, President, CTO, CSO, & Executive Board Director of Nexteer

Working with an Industry Innovator

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Nexteer is a leading motion control technology company with a global reach. Currently, the organization has 27 manufacturing plants, with multiple operations in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Collaborating with Nexteer is a natural fit for Michigan Tech. At the signing ceremony, President Koubek affirmed that Michigan Tech is “a bit unique as an institution, in that our founding legislation established that we are to help advance” Michigan’s industries. “This partnership helps us to actualize that responsibility.”

Furthermore, Tech also has a long history of working with the automotive industry. Our university offers several online certificates and degrees that help students develop skills in automotive technologies: Online Hybrid Electric Drive Engineering Vehicle Certificate,  Automotive Systems and Controls Certificate, Control systems, and Vehicle dynamics.

And Tech’s educational mission of “discovering new knowledge through research, and launching new technologies through innovation” aligns well with Nexteer’s vision of striving for “relentless innovation.” The company is also respected for delivering high-quality, next-level electric power and steer-by-wire systems, steering columns, driveline systems, and driver-assistance systems. A few of Nexteer’s clients include BMW, Ford, General Motors, Renault-Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance, General Motors, Stellantis, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Collaborating to Prepare for Industry 4.0

The signing ceremony was just the first step in a long and fruitful relationship between Michigan Tech and Nexteer.

Next, David Lawrence and his Global Campus team will hold a series of in-person and virtual interest sessions to Nexteer employees. These sessions will explain more details about and the benefits of this unique program.

Higher education will equip Nexteer Automotive employees to meet the challenges of the mobility revolution. It will also prepare them to address the technological developments of Industry 4.0. Or, as President Koubek put it, Tech is both honored and excited to partner with organizations such as Nexteer. They “will be the ones that are transforming and leading our country in the fourth industrial revolution.”

Michigan Tech and Global Campus look forward to working with Nexteer Automotive and helping to grow the organization’s success. We are also happy to welcome Nexteer employees into our university community.

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