Dr. Gary Bertoline is Dean of the College of Technology at Purdue University and he contends that the problem with engineering education the U.S. dates back to a critical decision made in 1955. In this presentation from The Automation Conference 2013, Dr. Bertoline explains that the primary effect of this decision has hindered our workforce development efforts in this country, leading the workforce to be inadequate to support a manufacturing-based economy. The good news is that leaders in manufacturing and automation who understand this fatal flaw can become better advocates for changes that are needed in our higher education system so that our nation has the workforce necessary to compete in a global economy.