Directory

Dr. Patrick Atkinson, professor of Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Mechanical Engineering, with expertise in bioengineering, crash safety, orthopaedics, and solid mechanics (how things deform when they are pushed or pulled).

Atkinson finds Kettering students driven, innovative and engaged. He feels there is a lot that distinguishes them from students at other universities. He says, "They know what being an engineer is all about because of the cooperative education experience. . .they require and expect the faculty to be up on their topics." He feels that this results because they are so current and have the ability to handle an academic, work, and social life which makes them people "who are able to perform in a variety of settings." Because Atkinson's time as a Kettering student left a very positive impression on him, he had a desire to return and do the same job as his professors had. Atkinson enjoys "giving students a great engineering education and the additional courses/labs that allow them to specialize in engineering subspecialties."

His hot tip for prospective students is: "Just remember that what you do from the age of 20 to 30 will dictate to a large part what you will be doing from 30 to 60. On one hand, this is great; it's a blank slate, you can do whatever you want. On the down side, it is a blank slate: you have to decide on something."

Hidden talents and outside interests: In addition to an extremely strong commitment to his family, Atkinson finds time to enjoy music, playing instrument, karaoke and working around the house.

Crash safety
Occupant protection
Orthopedic biomechanics

Tom Ayers, Vice President for Finance and Administration, joined Kettering in July 2012.  He serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees and is head of all activities involving university finance including accounting, cashier’s office, payroll, purchasing and student accounts; Human Resources; and all areas of facility management including business operations, planning and construction management, campus maintenance and central receiving.  Mr Ayers came to Kettering University having most recently served as the Executive Vice President for Operations & Treasurer at Huntington University.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Taylor University and later received both a master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration and a master’s of Business Administration from Ball State University.