by Benjamin Konuch, Student Public Relations Writer
Cedarville University and the Air Force Materiel Command Engineering and Technical Management Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) have formalized their long-standing relationship through a new Education Partnership Agreement (EPA). This agreement aims to bolster collaboration in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, benefiting both institutions and preparing Cedarville’s students for professional roles at the base.
The formal announcement of this partnership and details of its impact in the Miami Valley was shared at a formal agreement signing on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 2 pm near Cedarville's Center for Cyber Security in the Scharnberg Business and Communication Center.
Robert B. Fookes, Jr., a member of the Senior Executive Service and director of AFMC engineering and technical management, and Dr. Thomas Mach, vice president for academics and chief academic officer, Cedarville University discussed the partnership at the news conference.
“Air Force Materiel Command, and specifically the Engineering and Technical Management Directorate, is excited about our collaboration with Cedarville University through this Educational Partnership Agreement,” said Fookes. “Together we are creating a unique educational experience, using real problems and challenges, to equip tomorrow’s workforce with the skills they need to thrive in today's fast-paced world of aerospace and defense. This partnership represents the Air Force's commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting our next generation of innovators."
Building on past cooperation, the EPA ensures that existing resources and practices are streamlined and made more accessible to both Cedarville’s students and faculty. The university and AFMC view this enhanced partnership as a critical step toward equipping students for careers in engineering and scientific research, broadening civil service appeal to graduates while fostering educational excellence.
“Wright-Patterson recognizes the caliber of Cedarville students and their contributions to critical fields,” said Mach. “We’re proud of the jobs WPAFB has provided to our graduates, and we’re thrilled to further strengthen this connection. This agreement will give more students the opportunity to explore careers with WPAFB and prepare for impactful futures.”
The partnership will allow Cedarville engineering students access to WPAFB installation research laboratories, where they can work alongside base personnel on senior design projects, research initiatives, and capstone assignments. These experiences could lead to internships, mentoring opportunities, and career guidance for Cedarville students.
Additionally, the EPA opens the door to new engagement opportunities, with AFMC personnel serving as guest speakers and mentors for Cedarville’s classes. Personnel may provide input on senior design projects, assist in curriculum development, participate on thesis committees, and support student-focused events such as Tech Talks and Career Fairs.
Cedarville’s faculty will also benefit through increased research collaboration and resource sharing with AFMC, further enriching the university’s academic programs.
“Our commitment to Wright-Patterson is to encourage students to leverage the vast resources WPAFB offers, from facilities to expert personnel,” Mach said. “We also look forward to hosting their researchers and staff on campus, creating meaningful interactions that inspire and shape the next generation of engineers and scientists.”
This enhanced partnership underscores Cedarville’s reputation for producing highly skilled engineers, known for their technical expertise and strong work ethic. Employers, both locally and nationally, continue to seek out Cedarville graduates, recognizing the quality of education they receive at the university.
Cedarville University, a Baptist institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.