Eastern Kentucky University has selected Michael “Sean” June, Ph.D., as director of manufacturing engineering. June began the position on Dec. 12, 2022. In this position, he is responsible for leading EKU's new manufacturing engineering degree program, including curriculum and faculty development, student recruitment and retention, and program accreditation, among other responsibilities.
June earned his bachelor’s in biology with a minor in music from the State University of New York at Fredonia. He later went on to achieve a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology. Additionally, he earned a doctorate in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University.
"Dr. June brings an impressive background and high level of expertise in manufacturing engineering to EKU. With his leadership, EKU and our students will be ready to contribute to Kentucky's economy in this innovative, productive and high-tech field," said EKU President Dr. David McFaddin.
Prior to being named director at EKU, June was an associate professor of engineering and the director of the Gadomski Center for Engineering Innovation at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee.
“The idea is to create, empower and educate students to have the skills to do what's needed right now,” June said of his position at EKU. “We are also dedicated to giving students the education, background, creativity and innovational skills to serve the industry as it continues to evolve.”
As EKU’s first engineering program, and the only manufacturing engineering degree in Kentucky, the new program will begin in Fall 2023. The bachelor’s degree program will prepare graduates to become practicing manufacturing engineers as part of the growing manufacturing industry.
Having previously worked as an engineer, June says he is passionate about bringing manufacturing back to the United States. In particular, he’s excited for the potential of this growing field to provide good careers to people in Kentucky and surrounding states.