Milan native Dr. Kenneth E. Johnson named new chair of Olivet's Department of Engineering

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Dr. Kenneth E. Johnson, new engineering department chair at Olivet Nazarene University

BOURBONNAIS, IL (07/03/2012)(readMedia)-- Olivet Nazarene University announces the appointment of Dr. Kenneth E. Johnson, a native of Milan, as the new chair of the Department of Engineering, effective July 1, 2012. Johnson comes to Olivet from successful executive and research positions in the field of entrepreneurial engineering.

Most recently, Johnson was senior researcher and president of Solidica, Inc. - a developer of wireless systems that works with a variety of aerospace, automotive, industrial, medical and construction companies - of Ann Arbor, Mich. While at Solidica, he led a $20 million dollar product development expansion culminating in new product launches in both advanced intermetallic materials and next generation vehicle telematics. During his tenure, the company significantly expanded its customer base to a wide variety of Fortune 500 companies.

Prior to his work with Solidica, Johnson served as commercialization executive for Delphi Corporation, Troy, Mich. He was responsible for seven unique technology segments while also serving as technical program lead for a high profile spinout venture based on an advanced solid state joining technology for automotive and aerospace body structures known as deformation resistance welding.

Johnson has also been executive director for Technology Research Corporation, Ann Arbor, Mich.; advanced technology program manager for the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences; and a principal investigator for several research and development programs sponsored through federal and state government agencies, including the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy and Department of Transportation. He has also served as a featured guest lecturer at Africa Nazarene University (Kenya), Clemson (S.C.) University and Eastern Michigan University.

A member of ASM International, he holds two patents related to ultrasonic welding technology. His awards include the 2010 Corp! Magazine Science and Technology Award; speaker recognition from the Society of Automotive Engineers in 2008; and recognition for valuable contributions by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in 2007. His technology and business articles have appeared in several publications, including "Journal of Materials," "Materials Science and Engineering," "Crain's Detroit Business," "Welding Design and Fabrication" and "Technology Business." He has presented several times at AeroMat conferences and exposition, as well as several other professional meetings in England, Germany, Kenya and the Philippines.

"Dr. Johnson's wealth of technical and managerial experience will be great assets for our Department of Engineering and the University," said Dr. Dennis J. Crocker, dean of Olivet's School of Professional Studies. "His natural curiosity and creative nature, combined with his people and presentation skills, are a winning combination to serve our students."

As a professor and department chair, Johnson will be in the classroom to bring the latest in technological innovations, as well as preparation for internships and careers, to Olivet students. He will also work closely with faculty members as they develop plans and strategies for curriculum, admissions, marketing and other departmental activities.

Johnson earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering - with emphasis in micro structures, additive manufacturing and solid state joining - from the Wolfson School, Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. His Master's of Engineering in Manufacturing (M.Eng.) - with emphasis in lean manufacturing, heat transfer and fluid mechanics - was granted by the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Growing up in Swaziland, Africa, where his father worked with a USAID program, Johnson has long had a heart for overseas missions. He has served with several "Work and Witness" mission teams through the Church of the Nazarene and looks forward to leading mission teams for Olivet students in the area of engineering compassionate aid.

He and his wife, Jennifer (Alberts), both received bachelor's degrees - he in engineering and she in biology - from Olivet in 1993. They are the parents of four children: Sydney, Erick, Luke and Bethany.

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet has one main campus in Bourbonnais, Ill. - just 50 miles south of Chicago; three sites: Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Ill., and Hong Kong; and more than 100 School of Graduate and Continuing Studies learning locations throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year, whether through study abroad opportunities or worldwide mission trips.

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ONU news is also available on the web. Go to http://www.olivet.edu and click on "News & Events." Licensed University photos and official logos available upon request. For additional information, contact Laura Warfel at 815-928-5403, or lwwarfel@olivet.edu.