University of St. Thomas

Interests and expertise

Leadership, human resource development, manufacturing management

Career

John Povolny came to St. Thomas in 1986 after a 38-year career at 3M where he was a chemist, general foreman, production superintendent, plant manager, production manager, manufacturing manager, general manager and, vice president, industry relations in the Memory Technologies Group. Knowledgeable about all aspects of manufacturing systems, Povolny focuses on the human dimension of management, leadership and production. He is a senior member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and member and past chairman of the International Recording Materials Association (IRMA). At St. Thomas, he is a key liaison between industry and the university, and advises students and teachers.

Selected publications

"Human Dimensions in Agile Manufacturing," presented at Lehigh University.

Education

B.S. 1947, Chemistry, College of St. Thomas
M.A. 1992, Human Resource Development, University of St. Thomas