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Lucas D. Rivers, Engineering Technology Alum

Rivers headshotDegrees
Bachelors of Science in Engineering Technology ('23)
Master of Science in Engineering Technology (in progress)

Current Residence
Cordova, Tennessee

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
I have a brother who graduated from the HCOE with a degree in electrical engineering. He had heard good things about the faculty in the Engineering Technology department. I felt that the hands-on nature of ET was a good fit for me, so I went for it.
 
HCOE provided everything I needed to be successful. The ET department exposed me to a wide array of topics and challenged me to build upon and improve my skills.
 
The hands-on nature of the engineering technology curriculum along with the industry knowledge of the faculty were the most impactful. These two factors allowed me to better understand how engineering decisions affect others in an organization.
 
All of the professors in the ET department had an impact, but there are two professors that had a particularly large influence on me. Professor Robert Hewitt was an incredible mentor and is a highly skilled teacher. He always made time for students who wanted to learn, and he made mistakes into valuable learning experiences instead of failures. Professor Deborah Hochstein was another professor who I could always rely on. She always believed in me and provided guidance, particularly early in my time at HCOE.
 
I was not, but I do regret not being involved in them.
 
My family was my biggest support. They were always there for me and willing to help me learn. A close friend of mine provided guidance and unwavering support as well. I can not thank professor Hewitt enough for his support either. He had a large impact on me throughout my time at HCOE. I could not have made it through without any of those who supported me. Their support kept me focused on the goal.
 
Using machine tools and operating a CNC machine for the first time. It was extremely fun to be able to put what I had learned into practice and to see how design decisions affect the production of a part.
 
The faculty is there to help you. Try to learn as much as you can about the different degrees and specializations that are offered, and be open to the advice you receive. Picking the path that suits you will help you learn and stay focused.
 
The importance of networking while in college.
 
Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?

It was absolutely worth the price. If I could do it over again, I would become more involved with student organizations and the job fairs held by the college.