The SME Education Award is part of the International Honor Awards, and honors the educator most respected for the development of manufacturing-related curricula, fostering sound training methods or inspiring students to enter the profession of manufacturing.

Nomination Eligibility & Requirements

• Nominations can be submitted for both U.S. and international citizens.
• Nominees must have made significant contributions to the field of manufacturing.

To submit an International Honor Award nomination:

• Download the nomination form (MS WORD)
• Verify that the nominee meets all of the outlined eligibility requirements.
• Include three (3) letters of recommendation, preferably on letterhead; one letter should be submitted by the nominator, which briefly highlights the accomplishments of the nominee. Note: Self-nominations and/or submissions will not be accepted.
• Submit, as thoroughly as possible, supporting information (publications, innovations, patents) on the nomination form.

Send completed nomination form(s) and recommendation letters no later than Aug. 1 of each year to: 

SME International Awards & Recognition Committee 
c/o Executive Offices 
SME 
1000 Town Center, Suite 1910, Southfield, MI 48075
Fax: 313.425.3406 | Email: nominations@sme.org

Recent Award Winner

Chinedum Okwudire, PhD

Chinedum (Chi) Okwudire is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Miller Faculty Scholar at the University of Michigan. His research is focused on exploiting knowledge at the intersection of machine design, control and computing to boost the performance of manufacturing automation systems at low cost.

2024 International Honor Awards Recipients Press Release