Purdue News
Purdue News
November 7, 1997
The LEAD Award is bestowed annually on the basis of an international competition by the Computer and Automated Systems Association of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers to one university and one industry leader whose products or processes demonstrate excellence in computer-integrated manufacturing. LEAD is an acronym that stands for Leadership and Excellence in the Application and Development of Integrated Manufacturing. The university criteria include development of an operational curriculum with research and laboratory facilities supporting the manufacturing enterprise.
Purdue Deans Richard J. Schwartz of the Schools of Engineering, Dennis J. Weidenaar of the School of Management, and Dennis K. Gentry of the School of Technology accepted the award Nov. 4 in Detroit. Purdue's Multidisciplinary Manufacturing Program involves all three academic areas.
Warren Stevenson, associate dean of engineering who coordinated Purdue's application, noted that the award recognized the breadth and depth of Purdue's programs, which prepare students for professional positions in all parts of today's complex and technically sophisticated manufacturing enterprise.
Purdue's program involves many elements, including the Computer Integrated Manufacturing Technology Laboratory, directed by Brad Harriger, professor of mechanical engineering technology; the Engineering Research Center for Collaborative manufacturing, directed by James Solberg, the Ransburg Professor of Industrial Engineering; and the Center for the Management of Manufacturing Enterprises, directed by Herbert Moskowitz, the Cullman Distinguished Professor of Manufacturing Management.
Purdue offers nearly 100 manufacturing-related courses across 18 academic departments. More than 3,000 students are enrolled, and about 80 faculty are involved in manufacturing research and education. Facilities include about 70,000 square feet of laboratory space and more than $50 million in equipment. Programs emphasize industrial partnerships and the recruitment and retention of high-quality faculty and staff, particularly those with industrial experience.
IBM's server group won this year's industry award.
CONTACT: Sig Kriebel, Office of the Dean of Engineering, (765) 494-9988
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
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