Board Bio: Chuck Drake

Professor Drake, PE, received his BS in Mathematics from Lake Superior State University in a second try at college followed by his MS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech. He joined the faculty in Mechanical Engineering Technology in 1990 after working as a design and test engineer for Reynolds Metals Company in Richmond, Virginia.

His greatest academic satisfactions came from creating and teaching in the BS program in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) and helping hire the newer faculty in MET. When the BS in MET was added to the existing AAS MET program enrollment grew substantially, graduates were in demand and succeeded. He developed most of the new courses, got the new program accredited, and maintained an involved advisory board.
He remains passionate about student club participation – especially the very challenging Formula SAE (student-built racecar) competition with its applied engineering and hands-on fabrication that fit FSU so well.

Governance roles at Ferris included the Academic Senate, many campuswide committees including University Curriculum, Academic Policy and Standards, Athletic Advisory, General Education, and Student Life. He chaired several of these. He was also involved with college committees and served rotations as department chair and coordinator.

He has long been a volunteer for engineering technology accreditation with ABET. He currently does some consulting on accreditation. His many community service activities include youth soccer and Mathcounts. 
Chuck has been married to Donna, his high school prom date, for over 50 years. The Drakes have three children and four grandchildren.

There are three ‘Drake Family Scholarships’ which were endowed by Mr. Drake. These scholarships focus on his passions: the Mechanical Engineering Technology program and the Formula SAE student team.