February 02, 2026 by SME Membership When Dr. Sampson Gholston first encountered an SME certification in the late 1980s, it was not just a test; it was part of the classroom. “When I took it way back in the ’80s, it was part of a class. You got a grade for it, and it also counted toward certification. That made all the difference,” he said. That early experience shaped his teaching philosophy. Now, as chair and professor of the Department of Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, Dr. Gholston continues to connect students, curriculum and industry through SME. From Certification to Connection Dr. Gholston joined SME as a student in 1988 when his instructor required the certification exam. Years later, while teaching in Huntsville, Alabama, he encouraged his own students to pursue the Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) credential, with the local professional chapter covering exam costs. “The students were already prepared because they’d had the classes,” he said. Although only a few students accepted the opportunity, every student passed. “The engaged students were the ones who took advantage, and it paid off.” He noticed that many students were focused on graduation and starting their careers, leaving certifications for later. To change that, he believes industry can play a vital role. “If companies said, ‘We recognize this certification and give it priority,’ that could really drive engagement,” he said. While in Huntsville, Dr. Gholston also served as SME’s Region 8 Education Committee Chair (1999-2003), helping professional chapters sponsor exams and internships. “Those partnerships gave companies access to students and students access to real industry experiences. It was a win-win,” he said. Building Industry Bridges at UTA When Dr. Gholston joined UTA, he saw an opportunity to strengthen connections between education and industry. “That’s how I discovered SME’s institutional membership,” he said. “Students can connect with professionals, and faculty can stay current on what’s happening in manufacturing.” Through collaboration between industrial and mechanical engineering, the university adopted SME membership to promote networking, certification and student development. Dr. Gholston also uses SME’s body of knowledge to align curriculum with industry needs. “We take that book and ask, ‘Do we cover all of this?’” he said. The process helps his team strengthen programs in manufacturing, robotics and industrial engineering. “SME helps us make sure we’re emphasizing all aspects of manufacturing, not just pieces of it.” Now, he is focused on expanding relationships across departments and with local industry partners. “There’s already an SME student chapter in mechanical engineering,” he said. “I’m trying to build trust with that advisor and see how I can help without stepping on any toes.” His long-term goal is to increase collaboration across universities and make industry more aware of campus expertise. “If we can expand those partnerships, we can open the door for more collaboration and student success,” he said. A Lifelong Connection With SME More than three decades after joining SME, Dr. Gholston’s commitment remains the same: connecting people, knowledge and opportunity. “SME has been part of my career from the very beginning,” he said. “It’s helped me stay connected, stay current and help my students prepare for what’s next.” For Dr. Sampson Gholston, SME continues to serve as a bridge between education and industry, preparing the next generation of manufacturing professionals to succeed.
