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The Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution (ETID) benefits from the experience and perspective of its External Advisory Council (EAC). Composed of industry professionals, the council offers guidance on issues that shape the department and its programs, including:

  • Industry and workforce trends
  • Emerging technologies and professional practices
  • Academic programs and curriculum
  • Student preparation and career readiness
  • Industry and academic partnerships
  • Department growth and development
  • Department visibility and reputation
  • Strategic priorities and long-term planning

Engagement

ETID meets in person with its EAC each spring and fall. These gatherings give council members opportunities to connect with department leadership, faculty, staff and students to learn about initiatives, research and accomplishments.

Connections and Support

Most EAC members have deep ties to the department as former students, industry partners or longtime friends of the department. Many extend their involvement by sponsoring capstone projects, judging student competitions, speaking to classes or providing financial support through department initiatives and scholarships. Their time, expertise and generosity enrich the student experience and strengthen the department. 

Interested in Connecting with ETID?

The EAC is one of the many ways the department and its programs engage with the broader community. ETID welcomes opportunities to build relationships with industry professionals and organizations. To explore how you can partner with us, contact Department Head Dr. Bimal Nepal at nepal@tamu.edu.

Meet Our EAC Members:

Casey Adams VP Systems Engineering & Business Development, CommScope

Harold Armstrong President, Armstrong-Weatherly

David Bradshaw Chief Transformation & Technology Officer, Guideway Care

John Chenoweth ’89 Chief Product Security Officer, Elekta

Michael Edwards ’90 Founder & CEO, Edwards Energy Innovation Consulting LLC

Gus Fernandez III Business Development Manager, Yuengling Brewing Company

Klaus Fink President, Angler's Sport Marine

Alan Hilyard ’90, ’96 Owner, SWPC Fluid Solutions

James T. Hopper Sr. ’68 Owner, Megahertz Technology, Inc.

Greg Knowles President & CEO, Advantage Ally

Anne Lacy Domain Chief Engineer, Component Science, Engineering & Production, Sandia National Laboratories

Gary Lane Director of Business Development, Elekta

A. Rene Martinez ’86 Retired Senior Director, Engineering, Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Raj Mellacheruvu Head of Hardware Development – Edge & GPU Accelerated Computing, Amazon Web Services

Council Chairperson Matt Michel Speaker/Writer/Rancher, Ranchlands of Texas LLC

William H. Muldoon IV ’84, ’02 Cofounder, Cotton Oak Ventures LLC

Kelly Murphy Bell ’96 President, M3 Distribution, Inc.

Tim Pylant ’84 Sr. Solution Architect, Agentic AI Verification, Siemens EDA

Don Sweat ’85 President, Vicon Systems

Ronnie Villarreal ’87 PA Digital Transformation Leader, Honeywell Technologies

Bill Yancey Retired Financial Services Leader

Tera L. Weatherby (Gamet) ’94 CEO, CyberOne Security