Prescott Campus Launches Mechanical Engineering Department, Names Interim Chair

The Mechanical Engineering Program was initiated on the Prescott Campus in 2007, and its faculty have been housed within the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department in Embry-Riddle Prescott’s College of Engineering since that time. The Mechanical Engineering Department officially became a stand-alone department this August after enrollment tripled in the past six years. Professor Jim Helbling, who has been with the university for 16 years, will serve as Interim Chair. Dr. Mark Sensmeier will continue to chair the Aerospace Engineering Department.

Helbling came to Embry-Riddle after working in the aerospace industry for 21 years including five years as engineering department manager and team leader for Northrop Grumman. He currently serves as the coordinator for both ABET accreditation and the Prescott Campus’ Industry Advisory Board for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, among other duties.

“In order to better support the Mechanical Engineering students and faculty, the decision was made to create a stand-alone department,” said College of Engineering Dean Ron Madler. “Jim has played a vital role not only in the College of Engineering, but as a leader on campus and as a great professor. His industry and management experience combined with the respect he has earned from peers and students alike make him the obvious choice to lead this exciting and in-demand department.”