AT THE FOREFRONT
3
On the Dr. Stephen Williams cutting edge oversees campus infrastructure TAKING THE LEAD
The flagship publication of Milwaukee School of Engineering. With stories inspired by our mission and vision, Dimensions shines a light on our students, faculty, alumni and campus events, all while highlighting the values that unite us.
Editor JoEllen Burdue
Managing Editor Annette Pirrung
Creative Director Kristin Dunn
Graphic Designers Peg Houghton, Chase Patt
Contributing Writers Jillian Kokott, Colin Terrill, Dr. John Walz
Images Dr. Todd Davis, Front Room Photography, Mark Hines, Bryan Pechacek, Gary Porter, Ramlow/Stein Architecture + Interiors, Kat Schleicher, Colin Terrill Use, reproduction or storage of the name, address or other information about any individual identified within this magazine is strictly prohibited and constitutes misappropriation of corporate property.
Address correspondence to Dimensions Magazine 1025 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202 marketing@msoe.edu or (414) 277-7117
FALL/WINTER 2021–22 Volume 36, No. 1
Dr. Stephen Williams, P.E. has been named vice president of campus infrastructure at MSOE. Williams was promoted after serving as chair of the university’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. In his new role, he oversees MSOE’s Information Technology Department as well as the Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities and Custodial Departments. “Online and virtual tools will continue to become a larger component of how universities educate and operate. This change is a major focus of the strategic planning work we are doing at MSOE,” said Dr. John Walz, president. “There is a significant amount of synergy in having both our virtual and physical facilities managed by the same person, as our physical spaces should be designed to capture the power and flexibility offered by modern digital tools.” Williams joined the faculty at MSOE in 2002 and served as the electrical engineering program director before being promoted to department chairperson. Williams is an ABET program evaluator and training mentor. He has been very involved with the American Society of Engineering Education and the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, most recently focusing on academic leadership development and engineering accreditation activities. Williams earned his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Wisconsin.
MSOE’s Rapid Prototyping Center (RPC) is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It was formed in 1991 in response to the product development needs of Harley-Davidson, Kohler Co. and other firms that needed access to rapid prototyping technology. Today it is known for keeping its corporate members on the cutting edge of the newest technologies related to product development and manufacturing. MSOE offers engineering expertise and resources, and helps more than 40 consortium members develop prototypes of their designs. This helped to revolutionize their product design process. What once was 3D printing for prototype production has evolved to what’s known today as additive manufacturing. “The additive manufacturing industry is transitioning from prototyping process to production process,” said Vince Anewenter ’11, director of the RPC. “This has the opportunity to yield significant competitive advantages for manufacturers. Our role is to help companies design for additive, manage the evolving rapid prototyping ecosystem, and look for viable internal applications.” The RPC works closely with MSOE faculty to help educate students on the value of additive manufacturing. The center also employs several students, all of whom are in high demand upon graduation because of the expertise they gained in additive manufacturing. LEARN MORE AT RPC.MSOE.EDU
