David Adkins

David Adkins is a professional associate of Management Development. He joined Penn State Management Development Programs and Services part-time in 2003.

He has held senior positions with Battelle Memorial Institute, Ametek, Hughes, and Vetco Offshore and was vice president/corporate officer with Abex Aerospace and Valex Corporations. He has experience managing both research projects and major multimillion dollar programs in areas such as aerospace, petroleum exploration and production, undersea technology, semiconductors, and government.

Dr. Adkins teaches courses for a number of organizations, focusing on performance and empowerment. He illustrates good planning and control while fostering vision and participation.

Along with his part-time employment at the University, Dr. Adkins is the president of Patent Development Services, a firm specializing in the design and application of innovative concepts. He is also a partner and technical director of Business Management Consultants, based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Adkins earned a B.A. in mathematics and physics from Washington & Jefferson College, a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Institute of Technology, an M.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan, an M.B.A. from Ohio State University, and a J.D. from the College of Law. He is a member of Project Management Institute and is certified by PMI as a Project Management Professional. He is a registered Professional Engineer in two states and is applied to the Bar in California.