Rustin Webster, an associate professor at Purdue Polytechnic’s School of Engineering Technology in New Albany, has been honored with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers' (SME) 2024 Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award.
This marks Webster’s third recognition by SME, having also won the award in 2019 and 2023. The award acknowledges faculty advisors who demonstrate “outstanding dedication to mentoring students and advancing the manufacturing industry through education and research.”
Webster promotes real-world manufacturing experiences into the classroom; this plus a history of involvement in long-term student development are essential to his repeated recognitions by SME.
The SME Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award includes a monetary component of up to $2,000 and a recognition certificate, to show appreciation for educators who make substantial contributions to manufacturing education.
About Rustin Webster
Webster specializes in mechanical engineering and computer graphics technology at Purdue Polytechnic. Before transitioning to academia, he worked in aerospace and defense, designing solutions for branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Department of Defense, and NASA. His expertise includes product development, engineering graphics, and Six Sigma methodologies.
A certified GD&T Technologist, SOLIDWORKS Expert, and Six Sigma Green Belt, Webster has also been recognized with the ASEE Engineering Technology National Teaching Award and a Purdue Teaching Academy Fellowship.
About the SME Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award
Established in 2011, the SME Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award acknowledges student chapter faculty advisors who go above and beyond in mentorship, industry engagement, and advancing SME’s mission. Award recipients demonstrate a commitment to SME’s vision and the growth of student chapters, integration of real-world manufacturing experiences into academic programs and meaningful support for student research, industry conferences and professional development.
For more information on SME and its faculty advisor awards, visit their information page here.