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Educational Leadership and Curriculum Development

Dr. Zimmers has pioneered numerous initiatives to advance the effectiveness of engineering education. He was the Lehigh team member responsible for curriculum development in the Lehigh University Manufacturing Systems Engineering Program recognized by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers 1985 Lead University Award for Leadership and Excellence in the Application and Development of Computer Integrated Manufacturing Curricula. Professor Zimmers led Lehigh’s 10 yearlong participation in the National Science Foundation funded Greenfield Coalition for New Manufacturing Education at Focus: HOPE in Detroit. This program, including Society of Manufacturing Engineers as a strong partner, established a new paradigm in manufacturing engineering and engineering technology education that is learner-centered and experienced-based. It integrated actual industrial experiences into the academic programs.

In addition, Professor Zimmers has worked to advance engineering education by leading Lehigh’s participation in the founding of the Philadelphia Area Accelerated Manufacturing Education (PhAME) program. The Lehigh team was comprised of faculty from several disciplines who develop courseware which is ultimately delivered utilizing distance learning technologies.

The ESC pilot program named “Learning Collaboratory” was founded by Professor Zimmers as a nucleus or hub for the many types of activity that support the advancement of learning and improved interactions between the University and its educational, business and government partners. The Collaboratory strives to incorporate leading-edge technologies for electronic communication and knowledge exchange among diverse manufacturing groups.

In 1995, Professor Zimmers was appointed Deputy Director of the Iacocca Institute where he has provided a thought leadership component to educational initiatives including the international Global Village for Future Leaders of Business and Industry and the advancement of the Discovery Center for Science and Technology.