Oberndorf joined the college at the start of spring semester after retiring from Ford Motor Co. Jan. 1. He served 35 years at Ford in such positions as assembly plant industrial engineer, assembly plant process engineer, assembly quality assurance manager, vehicle evaluation manager, and as government regulations, export and ISO 9001 coordinator. In his new capacity, he will oversee the college s senior design projects, a requirement for all senior engineering students. By conducting a senior design project, students gain valuable experience working directly with industry on real-world problems, said Oberndorf. The program will provide more interaction between students and working engineers, said Ralph Rogers, chair of engineering management.
Many students become engineers with little or no exposure to engineers or what engineering is.
The engineer in-residence tries to address these and other issues related to preparing and retaining students in engineering. I hope to have lots of involvement with the students, said Oberndorf. I bring years of industry experience to the students. My mission is to bring in what I have learned at Ford. In addition to his involvement with senior design projects, Oberndorf will work with the college s new community relations director, Clair Dorsey, to serve as a liaison between the college and industry.