College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

 

Dr. Hitesh Vora, associate professor in the Division of Engineering Technology in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University, has been recognized with the prestigious Emerging Manufacturing Leaders Award. The award was presented during a luncheon at Tulsa Technology Center on Thursday, Feb. 27, celebrating his contributions to the manufacturing industry in Oklahoma.

  

The Emerging Manufacturing Leaders Award honors individuals who have made a significant impact on the manufacturing industry in the state. The award acknowledges those who actively engage with students, educators, elected officials, and industry partners to shape the future of manufacturing.  

 

“The Emerging Manufacturing Leaders Awards and Luncheon is an important event that reminds us of the incredible impact manufacturing has on our lives and our economy,” said Sheila Shook, director of workforce development for Tulsa Ports. “We hope it inspires us all to be more intentional in our conversations about manufacturing, and to build stronger connections with our community, connecting with students, educators, elected officials and partners throughout the year. As advocates for the industry, it is up to us to drive manufacturing forward and ensure its continued success.”

    

A commitment to economic and workforce development 

Vora was recognized for his efforts in preparing students for the workforce and his advocacy for energy-efficient manufacturing practices. He currently leads the Energy Efficiency Hub at the OSU, which includes multiple federally and state-funded centers: Vora currently leading energy efficiency hub that houses several federally funded centers: Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC),  Great Plains Center of Excellence (GPCoE) and the Rural Energy Assessment Center.  

 

Under his leadership, these centers have conducted over 1,100 no-cost energy and productivity assessments for small and medium-sized enterprises that include manufacturers, commercial buildings, water and wastewater treatment plants, small rural businesses and agricultural producers across Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and North Texas.   

These assessments have led to:  

• Reduced energy consumption and operational costs  

• Improved manufacturing efficiency and sustainability  

• Increased productivity and waste reduction  

• Enhanced competitiveness in local and global markets  

• Hands-on experience for students, fostering a new generation of clean energy professionals  

Since its inception, OSU ITAC has recommended more than $137 million in cost savings for SMEs, significantly improving energy efficiency in the region. Vora’s leadership has expanded the center’s impact, helping manufacturers implement innovative solutions for sustainability and operational excellence.  

 

Rooted in OSU's land-grant mission, the OSU ITAC strives to enhance the lives of citizens, drive economic growth, and foster workforce development. Operating across a four-state territory, the OSU ITAC delivers invaluable no-cost energy assessments to diverse SMEs.   

 

The OSU ITAC is home to one of the oldest and most successful industrial energy-efficiency offices in the nation. Particularly, the OSU ITAC is the first program to reach the 1,100th and 1,000th assessment milestone among the national cohort of 37 ITACs .

  

Helping drive the future of manufacturing  

Vora has played a pivotal role in strengthening the manufacturing sector through technical expertise, workforce development, and sustainable solutions.  

• Technical Assistance & Cost Savings: Through tailored energy-efficiency recommendations, Dr. Vora has helped manufacturers improve operations, saving over $137 million (14.79 TBtu) in recommended cost savings. Under his leadership, OSU ITAC has achieved key national milestones in industrial assessments.  

• Workforce Development: Addressing the skilled labor shortage, Dr. Vora has trained over 259 students, with 106 earning DOE ITAC certificates. His graduates secure roles in top manufacturing firms, and his initiatives integrate smart manufacturing and automation into education.  

• Innovation in Smart & Sustainable Manufacturing: By incorporating IoT, automation, and advanced analytics, Dr. Vora has guided manufacturers toward data-driven, energy-efficient operations and making them ready for Industry 5.0 implementation.  

• Industry & Government Collaboration: He has fostered partnerships with utility companies, state agencies, and economic development organizations, aligning efforts for a broader impact.  

• Significant Impact & ROI: OSU ITAC has saved manufacturers $137.58 million with an 11.46x return on investment on tax-payers money, operating at no direct cost to industries while benefiting students, businesses, and the economy.  

• Notable Achievements: Dr. Vora has secured over $12.8 million in research funding, received prestigious awards (e.g., Jim and Lynne Williams Professorship, Land-Grant Award), published 40+ journal articles, and led OSU’s $7 million Great Plains Center of Excellence initiative.  

A legacy of leadership 

Vora’s research spans additive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, energy management, and laser processing of materials. As the director of OSU ITAC, the Rural Energy Assessment Center, and the Great Plains Center of Excellence, he continues to drive innovation and sustainability in the manufacturing sector.  

 

Dr. Vora earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of North Texas (UNT) in 2008 and his Ph.D. in Materials Science from UNT in 2013. He also holds a diploma in Production Engineering from Agnel Technical College in Mumbai (2002) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Production Engineering from the University of Mumbai (2005). He joined CEAT as an assistant professor in 2015 and has served as an associate professor since 2021.  

 

Industry Support  

The 2025 Emerging Manufacturing Leaders Award was supported by industry leaders, including Webco, Aaon, Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority, Zeeco, Alro Steel, Tulsa Area Manufacturers Association, Hill Manufacturing, Greenheck Group, Velocity Custom Fabrication, Tulsa Ports, and Tulsa Technology Center.  

 

Vora expressed tremendous gratitude for being recognized as a leading figure in the manufacturing industry.  

 

“Receiving the Emerging Manufacturing Leaders Award is a tremendous honor. Manufacturing plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, innovation, and workforce development,” Vora said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this industry by empowering students, fostering sustainable practices, and collaborating with industry partners to enhance energy efficiency and operational excellence. This recognition reaffirms my commitment to advancing manufacturing and preparing the next generation of professionals to lead with innovation and sustainability.”