Oshkosh Defense executive joins Spartanburg university faculty

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The University of South Carolina Upstate has hired Don Bent, former chief operating officer for Oshkosh Defense, as executive in residence and distinguished professor of practice for industry partnerships and engineering programs.

Oshkosh Defense is the heavy-duty vehicle maker that is ramping up a Spartanburg County manufacturing site to manufacture the next generation of mail delivery vehicles for the United States Postal Service.

Bent’s job in academia will be to support the development of a new undergraduate engineering program and foster strategic partnerships with regional manufacturers, according to a university news release.

“Don’s extensive experience in engineering and manufacturing, his strong leadership skills and his deep knowledge of the Upstate manufacturing ecosystem make him the ideal person to help USC Upstate launch a program that will greatly benefit our region,” said USC Upstate Chancellor Bennie L. Harris, in the news release. “With more than 2,000 engineering and manufacturing companies located in the Upstate, the region has a growing need for skilled professionals. Don’s expertise will enable USC Upstate to develop a talent pipeline to fill these needs.”

“Don is also known as a caring mentor invested in developing the next generation of leaders, and I know our students will benefit immensely from his talent,” Harris added.

Among his responsibilities, Bent will advise USC Upstate faculty in the George Dean Johnson College of Business and Economics and the College of Science and Technology on creating courses that are relevant to industry needs and standards, the release stated. He also will work with business leaders to create internships and apprenticeships for USC Upstate students to ensure students can move seamlessly from college to career.

“I am so excited to support the future of this inspiring university,” Bent said in the release. “USC Upstate has such a bright future as they grow in engineering and business, and I look forward to strengthening win-win connections with industry. Most importantly, I look forward to supporting the faculty and students as I share my business knowledge with our future leaders.”

As COO at Oshkosh Defense, Bent was responsible for ensuring successful execution of programs and attracting new business, while also overseeing procurement, manufacturing and quality/continuous improvement, the release said. He served as vice president of operations for Oshkosh Defense and Oshkosh Finishing Services before becoming COO.

Bent joined Oshkosh Defense in 2010, helping to lead the production increase for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) and the international production launch of the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle. He also served as the vice president of operations for Oshkosh Corp.’s Fire & Emergency business segment.

Prior to joining Oshkosh Corp., Bent led lean manufacturing transformations at General Motors, BorgWarner and Amcor Packaging.

Bent has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and Master of Science in manufacturing management, both from Kettering University.