Michael R. Smith has been selected Ivy Tech Community College’s Distinguished Alumni for 2009. Smith completed his coursework in design technology in 2000. While he attended Ivy Tech, he was a Phi Theta Kappa, an All Indiana Academic Team member and the 2000 Vice President Chancellor’s Award Winner.

He worked for Rolls-Royce Defense Aerospace in Indianapolis then went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2004 and his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2007 from Florida State University. Smith now works as the Project Engineering Leader for Cummins, Inc./CSS in Columbus Indiana in the high horse power division. As Project Engineering Leader, Smith coordinates design efforts associated with the up-fit of Tier 4 emission requirements that the EPA sets to ensure compliance.

Smith enrolled at Ivy Tech in the late 90’s in search of a different career path. In 2008, he contacted one of his Ivy Tech professors, Frances Vega to let her know the impact she made in his life. “You have inspired great things from this old guy. I was 33 when I was in your class and recovering from an auto accident. I'm 44 now and live in Indy. In 2000, Dr. Charles Igboegwu, professor design technology at Ivy Tech East Chicago De La Garza Campus, wanted me to get out into the work force a little earlier than I anticipated but it worked out great. I decided to continue on to Florida State University for my BSME and left there with an MSME. I’ve never looked back” said, Smith.Smith and his sons attend Level 10 Martial Arts College and compete throughout Indiana and neighboring states.

Michael R. Smith

2009 Ivy Tech Distinguished Alumni