By 1812Blockhouse
The Engineering Technology program at Ohio State University Mansfield continues to gain attention, drawing interest from academic leaders as far as Tennessee. On February 21, a delegation from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Tickle College of Engineering visited the campus to explore Ohio State’s innovative approach to engineering education. The visit comes as Tennessee prepares to launch a similar program this fall, recognizing the growing demand for engineers with both technical expertise and leadership skills.
A Unique Approach to Engineering Education
While most companies rely on engineers for manufacturing and product management, many industries now seek professionals who possess not only technical expertise but also business acumen and leadership capabilities. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree at Ohio State Mansfield, introduced in 2020, was designed to fill this gap.
Unlike traditional engineering programs, this degree integrates applied knowledge with management and leadership training, making it a distinctive offering among Ohio State’s 15 engineering majors. Additionally, it is the only Ohio State engineering degree that can be completed entirely on a regional campus, reinforcing its accessibility and affordability.
The Land-Grant Mission in Action
According to Jason Opal, dean of Ohio State Mansfield, the program aligns perfectly with the mission of land-grant universities, which aim to make education practical and accessible to a broad audience.
“Engineering technology is a perfect example of the land-grant mission,” Opal stated. “The degree is designed to be affordable and is only offered at our regional campuses. It directly addresses the workforce needs in Ohio and beyond.”
The visiting delegation from Tennessee included Matthew Mench, dean of the Tickle College of Engineering, along with faculty specializing in chemical, mechanical, and nuclear engineering, as well as student success leaders. Their goal was to understand how Ohio State Mansfield’s program has successfully combined engineering, leadership, and industry collaboration.
A Program Designed for Industry Needs
Kathryn Kelley, director of the Ohio Manufacturing Institute at The Ohio State University, emphasized that the program is tailored to meet industry demands.
“This is an industry-driven, industry-vetted program,” Kelley explained. “It’s about hands-on learning. We want students to graduate with expertise in mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering, while also having the management skills necessary to excel in leadership roles from day one.”
That real-world applicability is what attracted the Tennessee contingent, as they seek to implement a similar model in their own state.
Developing Leaders in Engineering
Engineering Technology students at Ohio State Mansfield are not just learning technical skills—they’re being trained for leadership. Kelley pointed out that engineers frequently find themselves managing teams and overseeing operations, making leadership training essential.
“We fused the program with business and leadership skills because engineers are often required to be team managers and leaders,” she said.
Zach Ernest, a graduate from Ohio State Mansfield’s first Engineering Technology cohort, shared his experience with the Tennessee delegation during an industry panel. A non-traditional student who worked full-time while earning his degree, Ernest credited the program’s hands-on learning and supportive faculty with his success.
“What stands out the most is the hands-on application from professors who truly cared about teaching me,” said Ernest, now working as a manufacturing quality engineer at Ashland Conveyor Products.
Hands-On Learning and Industry Partnerships
The program is led by faculty members Amber Rader and Juan Pablo Rincon, assistant professors of practice in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Both stress the importance of aligning coursework with industry expectations, ensuring graduates are ready for the workforce.
One of the most impactful components of the degree is the senior capstone project, which connects students with industry professionals to solve real-world challenges. This year, students Sam Ratvasky and Alec Vanderbilt are creating a manufacturing exhibit for the Buckeye Imagination Museum, a local children’s museum featuring interactive displays.
“Our capstone projects integrate all the knowledge gained throughout the program into a hands-on, problem-solving experience,” said Rincon.
Ratvasky and Vanderbilt have even traveled across Ohio and internationally to Ireland, presenting their work to higher education leaders and industry partners.
National Recognition and Future Growth
The visit from the University of Tennessee reaffirmed the importance of Ohio State Mansfield’s Engineering Technology program, as colleges nationwide recognize the demand for engineers with strong leadership and business skills.
“There’s a niche for a type of engineer that the industry needs—not just in Ohio, but across the country,” said Mench. “It’s great to see programs like this and to learn from their success as we develop our own.”
As Tennessee prepares to welcome its first Engineering Technology students this fall, they continue to seek insights from established programs like Ohio State’s. Other land-grant universities, including Purdue and Texas A&M, are also exploring similar initiatives.
Learn More
For students interested in a dynamic engineering career that blends technical expertise with leadership, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology at Ohio State Mansfield offers a compelling path. More information about the program, including career opportunities and testimonials, can be found on the program’s website.
Source: OSU Mansfield Press Release; Photo: OSU Mansfield
