Kenworth chosen as Outstanding Co-op and Internship Employer

April 27, 2020

Photo: Robert Fanska, BSME '01; Kristen Davis; Lex Tisdale, BSISE '85.

Author: Marissa McDaid

Truck manufacturer Kenworth, a subsidiary of PACCAR, has been awarded the Russ College of Engineering and Technology’s Outstanding Co-op/Internship Employer for 2020. Kenworth has employed Ohio University students as interns for more than 25 years.

Award recipients must have a long recruiting history and a strong on-campus recruiting presence each year.

“We have a long history and tradition with Ohio University,” said Lex Tisdale, BSISE ‘85, Kenworth Chillicothe director of engineering manufacturing. “The internships are one of the best ways we have found to not only provide a valuable learning experience for the students but also provide Kenworth with the opportunity to find outstanding engineers and people who fit Kenworth’s culture and have the desire to continue their career opportunities with Kenworth.”

Tisdale, a member of the Russ College’s Board of Visitors and Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering advisory board, along with fellow OHIO alumni and Kenworth colleagues  Human Resources Manager Stacie Robertson, BSC ’02, and Six Sigma Black Belt Ross Wagner, BSISE ’97, have been integral in recruiting Ohio University students and graduates.

“Kenworth has a long history of hiring Russ College students for co-ops, internships and full-time employment,” said Russ College Director of Professional Experiences Dean Pidcock. “Throughout the school year, representatives from Kenworth visit the Russ College to recruit. They also offered resume critique sessions, made class presentations and offered job shadowing opportunities.”

Kenworth has also collaborated with more than 80 students on senior capstone projects and has influenced industrial and systems curriculum via Kenworth’s Six Sigma Training.

Last summer, Kenworth employed three Russ College students: Mitchell Haren, Derek McManaway and Jacob Zielinski. Currently, the company employs 34 full-time engineers with Ohio University degrees.

“Students and alumni who work at Kenworth frequently mention how much they enjoy working for the company,” Pidcock said. “It was only natural that we recognize Kenworth with our Outstanding Employer Award this year.”

Caleb Campbell, BSETM '17; Geoff Stout, BSEE '92; Stacie Robertson, BSC '02; Eric Jones, BSEE '96; Curt McCarthy, BABM