Building Engineers, Not Just Diplomas: Kettering’s Revolution with Dr. Bob McMahan
<p>In this deeply insightful and inspiring episode of <em>The Thing About Cars</em>, we welcome Dr. Bob McMahan, President of Kettering University—a revolutionary institution turning higher education on its head with a one-of-a-kind co-op model that combines rigorous academics with real-world engineering experience. </p>
<p>Mickey, Misty, Ben, and Tim explore how Kettering’s approach creates professionals with not just degrees but patents, leadership roles, and two and a half years of experience before they even graduate.</p>
<p>From the school’s roots in Flint, Michigan’s auto industry explosion to its modern-day global partnerships and pioneering programs that uplift underserved youth and inspire young women in STEM, Dr. McMahan pulls back the curtain on a model of education that’s working—and thriving.</p>
<p>Also in this episode:</p>
<ul>
<li>The young woman who pivoted from French & sociology to suspension design wizardry</li>
<li>A Cadillac with fins big enough to throw shade on your garage</li>
<li>Flint’s surprising renaissance, from water scandal to whitewater parks</li>
<li>Why humanities matter even in a hardcore engineering environment</li>
<li>That time a physicist-art historian became a university president</li>
</ul>
<p>Plus:</p>
<ul>
<li>Kettering’s car culture is alive and well (and obsessed with vintage Cadillacs)</li>
<li>Formula SAE, motorcycles, and the TR-6 that stole Bob’s heart</li>
<li>Trivia: What do tetraethyl lead, R-12 refrigerant, and a tragic mechanical bed have in common?</li>
</ul>
<p>🎓 Whether you’re a parent, a gearhead, or just someone who believes school should mean more than lectures and letter grades, this episode proves that education doesn’t have to be broken—it can just be reengineered.</p>
<p>📍Learn more at <a href="https://www.kettering.edu/" rel="nofollow">kettering.edu</a></p>
<p>We welcome your support via <a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheThingAboutCars" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a> and your questions and feedback via our <a href="http://thethingaboutcars.com/" rel="nofollow">website</a>.</p>
