Tri-State University is pleased to announce that Darryl Webber has been appointed to serve as the Foundry Education Foundation (FEF) Key Professor in the University’s cast metals program.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in engineering science and master’s degree in metallurgical engineering from Montana Tech, Webber joined TSU in 2006 as an assistant professor. He taught courses in metal casting and materials, while continuing to work on a doctorate dissertation.  He will now lead the FEF acclaimed cast metals program, which has been a mainstay on TSU’s campus for over 60 years in the mechanical engineering department.

“We are thrilled to have an individual with such high credentials leading one of our premiere programs,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., president of TSU. “It is the quality individuals, like Darryl, who help to continue our standard of excellence in our faculty at TSU.”

During the accreditation review and audit by the FEF, the TSU program received the highest score ever achieved by a school not granting doctoral degrees in cast metals, granting TSU a six year accreditation. The program also boast alumni, Keith Turner, BSME ’76, and Rick James, BSBA ’76, who own one of the largest metal casting companies, Metal Technologies, in the country.

“Because Tri-State prides itself in offering hands-on instruction that include real-world laboratory experiences, as well as field trips to area foundries, the University has an excellent reputation that is not only known among those in the cast metals industry, but in all fields of engineering,” said David Finley, Ph.D., vice president of academic affairs. “The school’s reputation for producing quality cast metals graduates extends throughout the nation, and reflects positively on all Tri-State students.”

In all, there are 25 schools accredited by the FEF in the United States. Twelve additional schools are affiliated with the organization.