Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, was chosen as the 2023 Business Advocate of the Year by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.  This is their only individual excellence in business award. The award ceremony, which recognizes and celebrates local businesses and organizations that display excellence, was held Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Theatre Squared.

"Dr. Mantooth is exceptional in so many ways that make him deserving of this award," said Mike Malone, vice chancellor for economic development.  "He has trained and mentored countless students who are now key leaders throughout the microelectronic industry. His leadership and vision to build the MUSiC fabrication facility and the UA Power Group has greatly advanced the university's research capabilities. Today the UofA is known as a research and workforce destination for industry partners that range from small microelectronics firms all the way to many of the largest companies in the world."

Mantooth is executive director of the UA Power Group, a multidisciplinary group of researchers committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and innovation in the foundation technologies and applications of power electronics from materials through systems.  This includes working to deliver next-generation electronic vehicles, renewable energy systems, grid infrastructure and cybersecurity.

MUSiC, the new semiconductor research and fabrication facility, will produce microelectronic chips made with silicon carbide, a powerful semiconductor that outperforms basic silicon in several critical ways. The facility will enable the federal government — via national laboratories — businesses of all sizes, and other universities to prototype with silicon carbide, a capability that does not presently exist elsewhere in the U.S.

You can see a full list of award winners on the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.