McPherson College taps alumnus to launch new experiential engineering degree
Alumnus Michael Stichter brings decades of industry experience to lead hands-on program starting this fall
McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson College is launching a hands-on engineering bachelor's degree this August, tapping an alumnus of its nationally recognized automotive restoration program to build the new department from the ground up.
Michael Stichter, a licensed professional engineer who most recently served as director of engineering and failure analysis at ARCCA, a Pennsylvania-based consulting firm, has been named founding director and chair of engineering.
The new degree, approved by the Higher Learning Commission last year, aims to bridge traditional engineering theory with project-based learning to meet growing regional workforce demands.
Stichter returns to his alma mater with more than 20 years of professional experience in fields ranging from aerospace manufacturing to combustion research and complex mechanical system investigations. He holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Drexel University.
Stichter plans to integrate the new curriculum with the college's automotive strengths, using the automobile as a central teaching tool. Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration and engineering, praised the appointment, saying his industry-connected vision will empower students to design, build and test solutions in collaborative lab environments from their first day on campus.
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