Fox Cities News

A partnership between the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (UWO) and Switchgear Power Systems (SPS), a manufacturer of electric power protection units, aims to develop skilled local talent while fostering mutual growth. The collaboration offers UWO students practical industry experience, with SPS providing insights into real-world applications.

Muhammad Asim Ali, electrical engineering manager at SPS, emphasized the strategic nature of this partnership: "By fostering strong ties between academia and industry, we’re building a vital bridge for talent management and business growth—right here in our local community."

The collaboration began when Ali connected with Ahmed Nasif, an associate professor at UWO. Ali has been on the advisory board of UWO's engineering program since 2023. Nasif noted that SPS supports enhancing student curriculum by offering real-world perspectives.

Sheldon Fletcher from SPS delivered five guest lectures at UWO during the spring 2025 semester. Students also toured the SPS plant in Winneconne. Nasif expressed gratitude towards SPS: "Through the lectures and the plant visit, the students really got a great glimpse of what it takes to build a switchgear from scratch."

Eddy Ayala, a recent graduate from Chicago, found the guest lectures informative: "They provided a lot of application to our course material that we otherwise would not have received." Paul Price, another graduate, appreciated how classroom theory was connected to real-world practice through these experiences.

SPS has grown significantly due to increased demand for data centers and energy sources. The company began in 2007 and moved to Winneconne in 2010. By 2012, it had expanded its team to 50 employees and earned certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council in 2017. Today, SPS employs over 300 people.

Nasif highlighted that SPS employs UWO interns and offers full-time opportunities. Logan Frosch, a recent graduate who interned at SPS in summer 2024, was hired as a full-time engineer.

Gregory Kleinheinz praised the partnership's benefits: “Having companies of SPS’s caliber right in UWO’s backyard is priceless for students, our programs and the regional economy’s talent-generation efforts.”