Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

A partnership between Central Michigan University and metro Detroit’s SAPA Transmission — a leader in advanced transmission technology solutions for military vehicles — shows the power of collaboration between business and higher education.

This partnership with the university’s School of Engineering and Technology — the first through CMU’s new Industrial Affiliate Program — gives SAPA access to future engineering professionals and will help keep talented individuals in Michigan.

At the same time, it allows CMU students to engage in joint research projects with the SAPA team, helping find solutions to real-world challenges.

“Engineering is a major part of our industry, and we wanted to find a way to capitalize on CMU’s expertise while also creating a pipeline for new employees,” said Ryan Howell, SAPA’s vice president for government affairs and business development.

“This partnership with CMU provides a way for us to give back to the community and to keep talent in Michigan, specifically in the Detroit area,” he said.

CMU’s Industrial Affiliate Program engages partners with academic programs and students, offering tailored options to advance their companies, recruit talent and invest in the future of their industries. CMU students will gain scholarships, professional experiences and problem-solving skills through projects and research. 

“Central Michigan University has a long history of mutually beneficial partnerships with corporations and businesses,” President Neil MacKinnon said. “More than ever, businesses need students, graduates and faculty researchers with deep knowledge, the ability to identify and implement solutions, and a style that balances collaboration, action and leadership. That’s exactly who we are at CMU.”

Dana Gingrich Doman, CMU director of corporate and foundation relations, said the Industrial Affiliate Program provides an exciting platform for companies to invest in their businesses and communities. They’ll also foster a culture of philanthropy across their organizations and have life-changing impact on students.

David Ford, former dean of CMU’s College of Science and Engineering, who recently became dean of the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University, was the impetus behind the Industrial Affiliates Program.

After learning of similar programs at other universities, Ford worked with CMU’s Advancement team to bring the initiative to life at Central. He pitched the idea to the college’s external advisory board, and one of its members — SAPA President, Ret. Maj. Gen. Darren Werner, a CMU alumnus — immediately committed to being the first affiliate.

Ford emphasizes the importance of partnering with industry professionals, especially for students in programs such as engineering.

“Early understanding of the challenges and opportunities they will face in the ‘real world’ accelerates the professional trajectories of our science and engineering students,” he said. “An industry-academia partnership is the most effective way to provide this understanding, with each side bringing what they do best.”  

Doman said CMU leaders look forward to learning from the SAPA partnership and expanding the Industrial Affiliate Program to other businesses and corporations in collaboration with academic areas across the university.

Reach Dana Doman, who coordinates the Industrial Affiliate Program, at gingr1dm@cmich.edu or 586-909-7049.