Recognizing Faculty Who Shape the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders

Since 2011, SME’s Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award has honored exceptional student chapter faculty advisors who go above and beyond to mentor students and advance the manufacturing industry. These advisors bring real-world experiences into classrooms, open doors to research and conferences, and guide students toward publishing and professional growth.

Applications are now open and close October 6.

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Purpose of the Award

The Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award is designed to:

• Provide professional development support through a monetary award (for personal growth or student chapter activities)
• Acknowledge and reward faculty who actively advance SME’s mission
• Highlight the services and leadership provided on behalf of SME
• Recognize advisors who foster the growth and success of their student members

Award Package

Winners receive:

• A monetary award valued up to $2,000 for personal growth or student chapter activities
• A recognition certificate from SME
• A recognition letter sent to faculty and/or local media of the awardee’s choice

Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• Be a current SME member
• Be a current SME student chapter faculty advisor
• Be an employee of the institution sponsoring the SME student chapter
• Ensure your chapter is in compliance with SME requirements (current officer listing and required forms)
• Not have received more than one award per calendar year

Application Process

• 2025 applications are currently open and will close October 6.
• The application will include:
• Prompts related to student chapter activity
• Personal statements detailing your contributions to SME
• (Optional) Upload of your curriculum vitae
• Applications are reviewed by a subcommittee of SME’s Student Relations Committee.
• Winners will be announced by the end of 2025.
• Preference will be given to applicants who have not received the award within the past three years.
• Awardees must submit a brief report in the following academic year explaining how the award supported their professional development and/or their student chapter.

Application Timeline: 2025 Applications close October 6. Apply or nominate someone today.

Apply Now

Contact chapters@sme.org with any questions regarding the Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award.

Recent Award Winners

SME Spotlights Eight Distinguished Faculty Professors

Eight professors from Purdue University, SUNY Canton, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Middle Tennessee State University, Vellore Institute of Technology, Wentworth Institute of Technology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and East Los Angeles College were selected in recognition of their service to SME and their student chapters.

2024 SME Distinguished Faculty Advisors Previous Award Winners