McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson College has named Dr. Michael Stichter, founding director and chair of engineering, a key milestone as the college prepares to launch its new engineering degree this fall.
An alumnus of the college’s automotive restoration program and an experienced professional engineer, Stichter will lead development of curriculum, facilities, faculty, and industry partnerships for a program rooted in experiential learning.
Stichter earned a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Drexel University and is now a licensed professional engineer across multiple states. Most recently, he served as director of engineering and failure analysis at ARCCA, an engineering consulting firm in Pennsylvania. There, he led a multidisciplinary team conducting complex investigations involving mechanical systems, materials, and industrial processes.
His professional background spans aerospace manufacturing, combustion research, and applied engineering development—experience that will help shape a hands-on, industry-connected engineering program at McPherson.
“Mike brings exactly the kind of experience and mindset we were looking for,” said Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration and engineering. “He understands both the theory and the application of engineering, and he’s deeply aligned with our belief that students learn best by doing. Just as important, he knows McPherson, and that connection shows in the way he’s already thinking about building something meaningful for our students and for the industry.”
As founding director and chair, Stichter will focus on project-based learning, strong industry partnerships, and integration with the college’s nationally recognized automotive restoration program. His vision emphasizes an educational experience in which students engage in real-world problem-solving from the start—designing, building, and testing in collaborative lab environments.
“This is an exciting moment for McPherson College,” Gutierrez added. “Engineering expands what we can offer students while strengthening our role as a destination for automotive education and innovation.”
The new bachelor’s degree was announced last year after receiving approval from the Higher Learning Commission. The degree builds on the college’s historic academic strengths in automotive restoration, natural science, and mathematics while responding to the local and regional workforce needs.
Stichter’s appointment reflects the college’s continued investment in experiential learning and its long-term vision to build a distinctive, industry-connected approach to engineering education.
“I am excited to return to McPherson College to build an engineering program rooted in experiential learning, using the automobile as a teaching tool, and sharing my expertise with the next generation for careers in engineering analysis and beyond,” Stichter said. “McPherson College gave me my foundation, and I’m honored to give something back.”
With Stichter’s leadership, McPherson College is poised to develop an engineering program that not only prepares students for successful careers but also contributes to the future of the automotive and engineering fields.
Classes in the new degree program begin in August. For more information, visit https://www.mcpherson.edu/programs/engineering/.
