Kettering University today announced a set of catalytic changes to the university stemming from a multi-year assessment and growth plan—an ambitious, collaborative effort that strengthens Kettering’s leadership at the intersection of education and industry. Effective June 23, 2025, the University will launch an enhanced College of Engineering and Computer Science, a new School of Foundational Studies, and an expanded Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.
“Kettering University is unique in higher education because we were founded to deliver mastery and career-relevant skills as an outcome, not simply a classroom-based education,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of Kettering University. “The strategic steps we are announcing build on our foundation and unmatched heritage in experiential learning as well as our broad collaboration with industry. They position us to continue to innovate in what we do and to graduate students who are among the best prepared in the nation for a 21st century economy.”
This comprehensive realignment within Academic Affairs reflects the deliberate, rigorous process that began with the President’s Task Force on program Realignment and Reinvention in 2021. That Task Force, informed by quantitative and qualitative analyses—including national trends in STEM, workforce projections, and extensive faculty and staff input—charted a course to enhance Kettering’s academic structure to align its distinctive cooperative education model and the needs of a dynamic workforce.
Key enhancements include:
● The College of Engineering will be renamed the College of Engineering and Computer Science, reflecting Kettering’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and its strategic alignment with industry. By integrating the Department of Computer Science into the College of Engineering, the University will ensure that computing disciplines are fully embedded within engineering education—advancing graduates’ abilities to deliver integrated hardware and software solutions across the interconnected domains of mobility, manufacturing, and advanced product design.
● The Department of Chemical Engineering will be expanded to become the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, underscoring the University’s recognition of the critical role that materials science plays in addressing contemporary engineering challenges. This expansion strategically positions Kettering at the forefront of national efforts in semiconductor technologies, hydrogen, and battery and energy storage, and it will house the University’s pioneering accelerated program in semiconductor materials and devices—the first of its kind in the nation—further distinguishing the University’s offerings in areas critical to national competitiveness and technological advancement.
● The School of Foundational Studies, provides the essential foundational instruction in the liberal arts, mathematics, and the sciences that is requisite for success in all University degree programs. The School will oversee the development of a University-wide Core Curriculum designed to be a common gateway for students into the University’s rigorous academic programs. The School of Foundational Studies serves as a hub for innovative faculty, with expertise from multiple disciplines, to develop a more holistic learning and professional development experience for students.
“These changes are not just organizational; they are generative,” President McMahan noted. “They position Kettering to be more agile and innovative, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and providing students with a transformative educational experience that mirrors the demands of today’s—and tomorrow’s—industries.”
Founded in 1919, Kettering University is a nationally recognized leader in STEM education. From its earliest days, Kettering has distinguished itself through its unique cooperative education model, seamlessly integrating rigorous academic study with paid, professional experience. This philosophy of education prioritizes mastery as the ultimate outcome, ensuring that every student graduates with both academic depth and real-world experience. Kettering’s approach prepares graduates not only to meet the challenges of today’s industries but to shape them.
These changes echo Kettering’s other recent strategic investments in student success with the creation of its new Student Experience Collaborative. This team, led by a Chief Student Experience Officer, ensures every student benefits from a holistic approach to academic advising, Co-op and career design, and a vibrant campus life—all essential to producing leaders prepared to shape the future.
“Since our founding, Kettering has stood at the crossroads of industry and innovation,” McMahan emphasized. “Our unique cooperative education model doesn’t just educate—it empowers our students to enter the workforce with confidence, experience, problem-solving skills, and the adaptability that employers demand. With these enhancements to our academic structure, Kettering continues to deliver on our promise of mastery, leadership, and real-world impact.”
