EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University’s GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology will host a TechTalk featuring Chuck Gray, vice president, Vehicle Hardware Engineering, Ford Model e™ at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, located at 124 Sill Hall or via Zoom.

EMU TechTalk is a series that offers students and faculty updates on essential topics related to engineering and technology disciplines delivered by leaders in their specialties.  It provides opportunities to connect with renowned experts and up-and-coming leaders in the engineering and technology fields. Each TechTalk offers extensive networking opportunities and a chance to explore careers, internships, and research opportunities at the College and across campus. 

“Our Tech Talks are designed to spotlight industry leaders who are making a difference in their chosen fields,” said Mohamad Qatu, dean of GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. “By giving our students and faculty a space to learn from leaders, we hope they are influenced to advance in their studies, careers, and research,” Qatu added. 

Since launching EMU TechTalk, students and faculty have heard from industry leaders, including Quentin Messer, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Carla Bailo, president of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Paul Ajegba, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation and Paul Perrone, Perrone Robotics' founder, CEO, and autonomous vehicle pioneer. 

Gray’s talk titled “The Incredible Power of Engineering to Advance Society" will focus on how engineering allows us to transform an object from one form to another and forms the foundation for human development. Gray will also focus on the importance of STEM and, in particular, the power of engineering to transform the way we live today and into the future. 

This event is LBC credit approved. To join this TechTalk, visit the registration page or website for more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology's TechTalk series.

About Chuck Gray
Chuck Gray became vice president, Vehicle Hardware Engineering, Ford Model e, in September 2022. He reports to Doug Field, chief advanced product development and technology officer.

Previously, Gray was vice president of EV Technology, and before that, vice president, Vehicle Embedded Software and Controls, leading the development of vehicle-embedded software, vehicle controls, embedded connectivity technology, advanced driver assist technologies and systems, and vehicle cyber security.

Prior to that, Gray was vice president of Vehicle Components and Systems Engineering, central to the company’s commitment to develop Ford and Lincoln vehicles with top quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart technology and value for customers around the world.

Gray has also served as director of Ford’s Global Core Electrical team, a position to which he was appointed in 2016. In that role, he delivered a strategy to modernize the company’s vehicle connectivity, software capability and electrical architecture. He’s also led Transmission and Driveline engineering, bringing the new 10-speed automatic transmission to customers, along with a new portfolio of 8-speed automatic transmissions and innovations including the Focus RS Torque Vectoring System.

Since joining Ford in 1991, Gray has also served as assistant vehicle line director of C-Car programs, based in Shanghai; chief engineer of Electrified Powertrain Engineering; and chief engineer of Powertrain Installations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from GMI Engineering and Management Institute (now Kettering University) and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.

He also was appointed to Kettering University’s board of trustees in 2020.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.