Tom Devall

Industrial and Systems Engineering
Director, Auto Manufacturing Initiatives
3301E Shelby Center
334.740.3905

Faculty and staff can submit directory updates here.

Education

Ph.D. Adult Education, Auburn University
Ed.S. Adult Education, Auburn University
M.S. Administrative Science, University of Alabama-Huntsville
B.S. Business Administration Management, Eastern Michigan University

Research Interests

Lean Manufacturing
Continuous Improvement Systems
Experiential Learning

In The News

Professors receive $400K NSF grant for Lean Manufacturing education

Three Auburn University professors have been awarded a nearly $400K grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance Lean Manufacturing education.

Auburn Engineering hosts continuous improvement industry roundtable

The Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) recently hosted an industry roundtable discussion to identify best practices for establishing a company’s operational excellence organization and culture.

Honda engineers embrace Lean Manufacturing principles in Tiger Motors Lab

More than 30 Honda Alabama Auto Plant employees recently visited Auburn University’s campus to participate in Lean Manufacturing training hosted by Industrial and Systems Engineering’s (ISE) Tiger Motors Lab.
ISE Senior Design competition showcases real-world solutions, industry impact

The ISE Department concluded spring semester with its annual Senior Design competition, which coincided with the spring Alumni Council meeting. It was an opportunity for alumni to interact with students and offer professional feedback.
Hartzell Engine Tech elevates manufacturing practices through Tiger Motors training

Hartzell Engine Tech, a Montgomery-based supplier of aircraft cabin heating solutions and engine accessories, recently spent two days participating in lean manufacturing training in Auburn University’s Tiger Motors Lab.
Air University gains valuable training through Tiger Motors Lab

For the fourth consecutive year, a cohort of students from the Air Command and Staff College, part of Air University - the U.S. Air Force's premier institution for professional military education - recently spent an afternoon at Auburn University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. The group visited the Tiger Motors Lab, commonly referred to as the Lego Lab, where they engaged in a session focused on leadership education.
ISE doctoral student presented Lean Engineering Award

Minas Pantelidakis, a doctoral student in the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was recently named the 2023 JT Black Lean Engineering Student of the Year. Tom Devall, director of auto manufacturing initiatives for the department, selected Pantelidakis as the recipient of the award.
Industrial and systems engineering elevates online academic experience

As the professor for the Tiger Motors Lean Engineering Lab, one of the more popular labs in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Tom Devall regularly hears from online graduate students that they would love the opportunity to participate more in lab activities.
ISE graduate student presented Lean Engineering Award

Diego Caputo, a graduate student in the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was recently named the 2022 JT Black Lean Engineering Student of the Year. Tom Devall, director of auto manufacturing initiatives for the department, selected Caputo as the recipient of the award.
Tiger Motors Lab hosts GE Aviation training session

The Industrial and Systems Engineering Department’s Tiger Motors Lab, commonly referred to as the “Lego Lab,” recently hosted a two-day Lean Systems training course for GE Aviation to assist in improving the company’s operation by focusing on Lean Systems implementation.
AU lean manufacturing lab builds future generation of engineers

Auburn's unique lean manufacturing lab helps students literally build their engineering skills through the understanding of an industrial production line.