With the expanded impact of recent grants enabling the development of emerging skill sets like advanced manufacturing, fluid power, and safety engineering, EKU is positioned as a key talent hub for Lockheed Martin.
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), located in the heart of the state's manufacturing hub, prepares skilled graduates to enter various areas of manufacturing operations. Committed to meeting workforce demands, the university partners with local businesses to identify ways to support local industries. In 2010, Lockheed Martin, a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery, took notice.
Seeking to increase access to engineering and manufacturing education opportunities to help fill the need for technologists of the future, Lockheed Martin has steadily donated to the EKU Foundation, directing more than $57,000 in charitable contributions to strengthen the university's engineering and technology programs.
"EKU is proud to play a leading role in preparing the talent that drives innovation across the Commonwealth," said EKU President David McFaddin. "Lockheed Martin's investment in our programs reinforces the importance of higher education in building Kentucky's workforce. As EKU continues to expand opportunities in engineering and technology, we are strengthening our position as a top destination for students who want to make an impact in these growing fields."
EKU's engineering and advanced manufacturing technology programs equip graduates for roles in production supervision, product development, quality control, maintenance supervision, project management, production control, and more. Its curriculum is tightly aligned with Lockheed Martin's workforce-readiness needs, ensuring new hires possess the technical skills required for production and quality-assurance options.
Lockheed Martin leaders have been invited to support and participate in EKU's Industrial Advisory Council to provide curriculum feedback and ensure alignment with industry needs.
"This partnership has helped us recruit, train, and develop some of the brightest young professionals in our program," said Vic Torla, Lockheed Martin Vice President, Lexington Programs. "Strong collaborations like this partnership with EKU enable us to tap into the region's talented workforce and further enhance our ability to deliver 21st century security solutions to our customers across the globe."
From early smaller contributions in the 2010s to steady annual grants today, the EKU and Lockheed Martin partnership has grown significantly. With the expanded impact of recent grants enabling the development of emerging skill sets like advanced manufacturing, fluid power, and safety engineering, EKU is positioned as a key talent hub for Lockheed Martin. Currently, 71 EKU graduates are working locally on the defense contractor's program.
"We are proud that 71 EKU alumni are part of Lockheed Martin's local program, and we look forward to a continued collaboration that benefits our students and the region," said Dr. Tom Otieno, Dean of EKU's College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. "Our partnership with Lockheed Martin is a clear example of EKU's commitment to Kentucky's workforce. Their long-term support has allowed us to enhance our engineering and manufacturing programs, ensuring our students are trained for current technology careers."
Wayne Funk, Operations Director of Lockheed Martin Lexington Programs, said, "With each grant, this partnership fuels the next generation of engineers who will help drive innovation at Lockheed Martin and beyond."
Dr. Nilesh Joshi, Director of Manufacturing Engineering at EKU, explained how Lockheed Martin's support directly benefits students, including a recent grant to equip a new fluid power laboratory and provide hands-on experience for students.
"This investment, combined with their valuable feedback on our Industrial Advisory Council, helps us align our curriculum with industry needs. Our students graduate with practical skills, ready for the workforce," Joshi said.
For more information contact:
Eastern Kentucky University
521 Lancaster Ave.
Richmond, KY 40475
www.eku.edu
Lockheed Martin
5749 Briar Hill Road
Lexington, KY 40516
www.lockheedmartin.com