SME Recognizes Four Professors with Its Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award October 20, 2017 by SME Communications (DEARBORN, Mich.) — SME, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the future leaders in manufacturing, has selected four university professors to receive its 2017 Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award. The advisors, who provide direct oversight to SME’s student chapters at universities throughout the country, offer their guidance and support to student chapter leaders to ensure their professional growth and the success of the chapter itself. “This year’s four, award-winning faculty advisors are working diligently with our student members to assure they have a clear and successful career path into manufacturing,” said Michael Watson, LSME, chair of SME’s Student Relations Committee. “This recognition, and its award, offer the additional tools needed to help them bridge the gap between academics and industry.”To be considered for the award, advisors are asked to submit a personal statement about their career goals as well as their objectives for their respective student chapters. These goals/objectives must align to SME’s overall purpose of advancing manufacturing and attracting future generations into the industry. The Distinguished Faculty Advisor award, initiated in 2011, has recognized more than 29 educators and provided over $38,000 to further professional development and to support student chapter activities. Nominations are reviewed by members of SME’s Student Relations Committee and approved by the SME Member Council.2017 Distinguished Faculty Advisors: Neil Littell, PhD, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio Bahram Asiabanpour, PhD, CMfgE, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas Reza Ghodsi, PhD, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut Yalcin Ertekin, PhD, CMfgE, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania About SMESME connects manufacturing professionals, academia and communities, sharing knowledge and resources to build inspired, educated and prosperous manufacturers and enterprises. With more than 85 years of experience and expertise in events, media, membership, training and development, and also through an education foundation, SME is committed to promoting manufacturing technology, developing a skilled workforce and attracting future generations to advance manufacturing. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg. ### If you have questions about the press release or need additional information, please contact SME Public Relations at communications@sme.org.