Miami and Lockheed Martin launch Engineering Leadership Institute

Miami University announces the formation of its Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute within the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). The institute brings about a visionary approach to preparing engineering leaders who possess high ethical standards and who are committed to creative and effective leadership.

“This is a transformational moment for the School of Engineering and Applied Science,” said SEAS Dean Marek Dollár. “Not only is this the largest gift to the School, it is the first institute of its kind funded by Lockheed Martin. The institute will be one of only a handful of major undergraduate leadership initiatives housed in American colleges of engineering. Through the shared values of our two institutions and our common vision for developing tomorrow’s technical workforce, we are creating a national model for undergraduate engineering and computing education.”

The SEAS Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute, which will enroll its first cohort in January 2012, includes new curricular and co-curricular programming that provides an intensive leadership development experience for select Miami engineering and applied science students. The interdisciplinary programming, which engages departments and faculty throughout Miami’s campus, aims to produce well-rounded graduates who are especially prepared in the areas of technical/ innovative leadership, business acumen, people leadership and personal/ethical leadership. By connecting with a broader community of partners in industry, government, and health care, the institute will foster a culture of positive leadership that is sensitive to real-world forces.

"Lockheed Martin is proud to partner with Miami University on this visionary engineering institute, which will develop business leaders with the technical knowledge needed to address our most difficult global security challenges,” says Ray O. Johnson, Lockheed Martin senior vice president and chief technology officer. “These challenges will require both technical and business innovation, and this institute will prepare its graduates for that future.”

Inspired by the National Academy of Engineering’s challenge to envision what engineering would/should look like in 2020, the SEAS Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute seeks to have a national impact through sharing its vision and ideas with business, government and educational entities throughout the country. The institute is made possible through an innovative partnership that merges the respective academic and industry strengths of Miami University and Lockheed Martin.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.7 billion.

“That Lockheed Martin, a true American industry leader, has chosen to partner with Miami University on such an important and groundbreaking institute is a glowing endorsement of our School of Engineering and Applied Science and an outstanding recognition of the exceptional caliber of our students,” said Miami President David Hodge. “The SEAS Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute will provide an amazing high impact, experiential learning opportunity that combines the best of engineering education and a liberal arts and sciences foundation. It will produce engineering leaders fully prepared for the challenges of a rapidly changing 21st century.”

Lockheed Martin’s commitment counts toward the Miami University Campaign For Love and Honor, a $500 million campaign that calls on all Miamians to honor the past by envisioning and supporting the possibilities of Miami’s third century.