EKU’s Occupational Therapy and Manufacturing Engineering Programs Announce Collaborative Partnership with Local Manufacturer

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced a collaborative workplace improvement project between its top-ranked Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program and new Manufacturing Engineering program alongside Toyota on Thursday. The collaboration creates opportunities for safer and more efficient workspaces by applying principles of ergonomics and universal design.

“Innovation, one of our strategic priorities at EKU, is about solving real-world challenges and preparing our graduates to be leaders in the workforce of tomorrow,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we’re forging solutions that directly address industry needs and foster leadership in a rapidly evolving global economy. EKU is proud to partner with Toyota to provide educational opportunities for our students while contributing to innovation in the workforce.”

Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr, members of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Toyota employees and EKU faculty and students involved in the project attended the announcement held at Kit Carson Commons on EKU’s campus.

“I’m proud to celebrate the EKU and Toyota partnership, which is a powerful example of how education and industry can join forces to drive Kentucky’s future,” said Congressman Barr. “With manufacturing at the core of our economy, this collaboration ensures our students are prepared to meet industry demands and lead in tomorrow’s innovations. EKU and Toyota are making a vital investment in our workforce, securing Kentucky’s place as a leader in economic growth.”

Madeline Spears, an EKU OTD graduate, recently completed a capstone project aiding the collaboration between the programs and Toyota to guide future decisions about potential assembly line improvements. Her research, which can be deployed in manufacturing environments, examined the employee work station focused on ways to reduce skeletal impacts of repetitive manufacturing line work. In addition, her work will be utilized in learning models within the manufacturing engineering and occupational therapy curriculums. Dr. Amanda Balser, assistant professor of occupational therapy, helped to initiate the project and served as Spears’ mentor. Dr. Sergio Sgro, assistant professor of engineering and technology, was also instrumental in assisting with the project and providing manufacturing expertise.

Toyota donated engines and parts to help Spears meet the project’s objectives. Additionally, her project provides EKU’s Manufacturing Engineering and OTD programs with educational resources that will be built into program curriculum. The collaboration blends workforce engagement with academic learning to strengthen Kentucky’s manufacturing industry.

“At Toyota, problem solving for continuous improvement is at our very core,” said Mark Klee, head of powertrain at Toyota and adjunct faculty member at EKU. “This is why we are committed to collaboration with educational partners across the Commonwealth, like EKU, because we will continue to need a workforce that can solve problems.” 

EKU’s Occupational Therapy program is ranked No. 22 by U.S. News & World Report. The university’s new Manufacturing Engineering program, the first program of its kind in Kentucky, welcomed its first cohort of students last fall. 

EKU remains committed to addressing the needs of the evolving workforce by providing innovative educational solutions. Through ongoing partnerships with industry leaders and a dedication to academic excellence, EKU ensures that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen fields. EKU continues to empower its students, driving positive change in the region and beyond.

By Sarah Bashford