Steven Butt

Dr. Steven Butt is the Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Michigan University (WMU), where he also serves as a Professor of Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering. With nearly 30 years of experience in industrial engineering, operations research, product development, and medical engineering, Dr. Butt bridges academia and industry through extensive collaborations and leadership initiatives.

• Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Penn State University
• M.S. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Penn State University
• B.A. in Mathematics and Chemistry from Earlham College

His research focuses on operations research and its applications in vehicle routing, employee scheduling, and medical engineering. Notable collaborations include partnerships with the National Science Foundation (NSF), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and healthcare institutions like Bronson Hospital and Stryker. His work has addressed critical challenges such as air traffic controller staffing standards and hospital nursing workforce scheduling models.

Dr. Butt has secured over $4 million in external research funding and authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP) Lab in Grand Rapids, expanding international academic programs, and improving dual enrollment opportunities.

Scientific Awards

• Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
• Director's Award for Teaching Excellence
• Tau Beta Pi - Outstanding Faculty Award

Professional Memberships

• Institute for Operations Research and Management Science (INFORMS)
• Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE)
• Operational Research Society of New Zealand (ORSNZ)
• American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

Dr. Butt’s leadership extends to securing funding for endowed professorships, scholarships, and state-of-the-art equipment, enhancing WMU’s ability to attract top faculty and advance cutting-edge research. He holds a faculty appointment at WMU’s Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed).