The Pawley Lean Institute bridges eager, emerging professionals with community service projects. As director, Dennis Wade constructs the foundation of these relationships, currently serving local businesses in Oakland, Genesee and Ingham counties by introducing OU students to real-world, experiential learning opportunities.

Pawley Lean Institute Director Dennis Wade

“That’s the part that brings me back here everyday,” Wade says. “I’ve built some things. I see it running. I see it working. I see the value in it.”

The Pawley Lean Institute has completed 19 Projects for local community service organizations. These student-led Lean projects have benefitted and collaborated with organizations like, Fleece and Thank You, Humble Design, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Rose Hill Center, Forgotten Harvest, McLaren - Oakland and Sparrow Hospital. Projects are funded by industry partners, and students are paid and able to add to their resumes.

The Pawley Lean Institute works with local community service organizations

Over the past 20 years, the Pawley Lean Institute has expanded from one graduate course in its infancy in 2004 to include 11 courses, three certificate programs, an undergraduate minor, and advanced graduate and doctoral degree courses. These ranging opportunities allow students at any level to elevate learning past the classroom and into the surrounding community.

“At the end of the day, hopefully our students see the value in doing community service work and make that a part of their lifelong endeavors as well,” Wade says.

Director of the Pawley Lean Institute Dennis Wade shares concepts and practices of Lean thinking to create leaders