Spayde appointed as new director to lead fastest growing program

The engineering technology program in the Statler College gains new leadership with Emily Spayde appointed as director. (WVU Photo/Megan Rinker)

Emily Spayde has been appointed as director of engineering technology, one of the fastest-growing undergraduate programs in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University, effective as of August 15, 2025.

Story by Paige Nesbit, director of marketing and communications
Photos by Megan Rinker, graphic arts designer

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Engineering technology, a new integrative, multi-disciplinary four-year degree program provides students with knowledge, skills and hands-on experience in modern technologies to thrive in advanced technological industries.   

Since its inception in 2023, the engineering technology program has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from an initial cohort of just 30 students to a thriving enrollment of approximately 100 students in fall 2025.  

This surge in enrollment underscores the program's increasing appeal, strong retention rates, and its position as a key player in shaping the future of engineering education.  

Program advancement has been attributed to the work of Spayde, teaching professor in Fundamentals of Engineering Robin Hensel and the staff of experts in the Lane Innovation Hub.  

After working in the manufacturing industry, Spayde received her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University in 2017. After graduating, she remained at MSU as an assistant clinical professor until 2021 when she started at WVU as a teaching assistant professor in the Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace department. She began teaching in the engineering technology program since it began in 2023.  

“Dr. Spayde’s appointment as Director is a reflection of her wealth of experience and her commitment to innovation and student success,” said Robin Hissam, associate dean of academics and student performance. “Through her leadership, our engineering technology program has not only kept pace with rapid technological advancements but set a new standard for preparing students to meet the challenges of high demand industry." 

“I am excited about continuing to work with our amazing team and grow the engineering technology program in Statler College,” explained Spayde.  “In an effort to compete in a global market, we introduced a new area of emphasis, construction management, to meet industry and student demand.”   

One of the program’s perks is having multiple courses hosted in the Lane Innovation Hub, the 9,500-square-foot makerspace and advanced manufacturing lab.  

“The engineering technology program plans to continue its strong relationship with the team in the Hub,” Spayde said. “Working with industry experts allows students to get direct hands-on experiences with a variety of industry-scale manufacturing equipment and methods which will prepare them for various careers in industry.”   

The next phase is to grow and foster new relationships with industry partners across our state and surrounding region and to prepare our graduates to be leaders in the next era of U.S. manufacturing. 

“We just had our first graduating class this past spring, and they are moving into exciting engineering careers across multiple industries around the country," Spayde stated. “Every day, we’re proud to prepare the next generation of engineering technology experts — driving progress in West Virginia and beyond. It’s how we help keep our industries strong and our communities working.” 

For more information about the engineering technology major, please visit the Statler College academic website. 

 

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