Plastics Engineering Technology receives ABET Accreditation

Plastics Engineering Technology receives world recognition with ABET Accreditation

The Shawnee State University Plastics Engineering Technology program is now 1 in 4 bachelor’s programs in the world with this designation and the only program of its kind in the state of Ohio.

Among the first group of baccalaureate degrees approved and offered at Shawnee State University, the Plastics Engineering Technology (PET) program can trace its roots on campus to the 1970s when it was offered as an Associate Degree at the Shawnee State Community College. Now a signature four-year program on campus, the degree celebrated a milestone this year when it received its accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET).

“ABET is the globally recognized, premier accrediting body for Engineering and Engineering Technology accreditation,” said Adam Miller, Chair of the Department of Engineering Technologies and Associate Professor of PET. “The Plastics program at Shawnee State has displayed indicators of educational program quality, such as alumni professional achievement, high employment rates, industry partnership and advisory board engagement over the years. ABET accreditation provides another level in external validation of program quality for the Plastics program.”

A 2009 graduate of the PET program, Miller is among the many graduates who have experienced a 100% job placement or graduate school acceptance rate after completing their degree. Students in the program are often sought after from major companies before their graduation date, with many completing hands-on internships with industry leading partners. “Accreditation by ABET for Shawnee State’s Plastics program brings opportunities for students and graduates to a level equal to other major state universities,” said Dr. Skip Miller, Professor of PET and SSU ABET Coordinator. “It means we have a quality program.”

The PET program has had partnerships with several industry leaders including Milacron, Krauss Maffei, Advanced Composites, DME, iMFLUX, Stanley Electric, and others, leading students to internships and a donation of materials to train students with leading-technology in the field. These industry leaders also employ several alumni of the program, advancing the program’s relationship with those companies.

“ABET accreditation opens up more opportunities for our students, our alumni and our program to organizations who seek the external validation that ABET provides,” said Miller. “It provides an additional level of confidence in the investment students are making in their education.”

To learn more about the Plastics Engineering Technology program at Shawnee State University, visit www.shawnee.edu/plastics.

Shawnee State University joins ASCENT Ecosystem through Intel grant funding

Serving as a partner institution in the Appalachian Semiconductor Education & Technical (ASCENT) Ecosystem, Shawnee State University is helping to cultivate the next generation of skilled technical professionals in Ohio.

Receiving funding through the Intel Semiconductor Education and Research Program for Ohio, Shawnee State University’s partnership with ASCENT will help collaboratively develop and deliver diverse educational options across the region to prepare students for career opportunities created by Intel’s arrival to Ohio.

“The Department of Engineering Technologies strives to align itself with the needs of the industry to provide current and relevant education in cooperation with industry partners, advisory board input as well as education partners,” said Adam Miller (‘09), Chair of the Department of Engineering Technologies.

The partnership, led by institutional lead Ohio University, allows SSU to be able to offer

scholarships for students entering programs that are aligned with the needs of Intel and to enhance stackable technical education credentials to meet the needs of industry and prospective students.

“There are a few programs within the department that align with the needs of a facility like Intel, but the Electromechanical Engineering Technology program in particular aligns very well,” said Miller. “It’s courses in Electronics, Robotics, Automation, and Programmable Logic Controls offer a curriculum to meet the needs of Intel as well as other advanced manufacturing sectors.”

Over the next three years, SSU will work to develop a certificate in Electromechanical Engineering Technology as well as a certificate and associate’s degree in Plastics Manufacturing. Together, the university will work with other institutions to identify new ways for students in the region to advance their education and careers through stackable credentials.

“We continually look to keep our programs in alignment with industry and students’ needs,” said Miller. “With Intel’s investment in the state and our ASCENT partnership funding, we will be doing the same to meet their needs.”

To learn more about Engineering Technologies at Shawnee State University, visit www.shawnee. edu/engineering-technologies.