WCU Engineering Ambassadors are current students in the WCU College of Engineering and Technology who lead tours, help with college events, assist with student mentoring, and answer questions from prospective students about their WCU experience. You will see them at WCU Open House, weekday college tours and WCU Engineering Discovery events and outreach programs. Learn more about our amazing student Engineering Ambassadors below!
Kevin E.
Hometown: Forest City, North Carolina
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
“I have always been fascinated by circuits and have always enjoyed working with my hands. I was inspired to major in engineering because I want to develop future inventions and be able to create or do something that will help everyone out.”
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Goal: “My goal is to gain hands-on experience in areas like circuit design, embedded systems, or automation. Long term, I hope to grow into a leadership role where I can contribute to innovative projects and mentor others entering the field.”
Why WCU: “I chose WCU because I enjoyed the classroom setup and all the available lab equipment. When I had a tour of the engineering department and of the campus, I automatically felt like I was back home and could feel the good energy everywhere.”
Beyond the Classroom: “I look forward to having meetings with my club, SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers). We strive to help students and ourselves out on landing internships and new connections that can help us in the future. I also enjoy participating in our Intramural league, which is always fun when we get to play and bond with friends and teammates.”
Fun Fact: “I’ve traveled to different parts of Mexico.”
Gavin L.
Hometown: Denver, North Carolina
Major: Mechanical Engineering
“I love figuring out how different things work and I also love making anything more efficient. What better way to showcase my practical knowledge, problem-solving desire, and interest in efficiency than Mechanical Engineering.”
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Why WCU: WCU’s ABET Accreditation and location. “I love the mountains and always have liked being in the outdoors, but at Western I’m also getting the best deal for everything I could want from a university.”
Favorite Spot on Campus: “The library is a really awesome place not just for studying but even just walking around because there is almost always something new or interesting you can stumble into.”
Beyond the Classroom: “I love mountain bike riding, fishing, hunting, working on vehicles and boats. I am an Eagle Scout and also a brother in Kappa Sigma fraternity. I love watching WCU play football or basketball and, as long as it isn’t too hot, I like to watch the baseball team as well.”
Fun Fact: “I competed in the world finals twice and the nationals once for high school bass fishing tournaments.”
Jordan B.
Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
Major: Construction Management
“I chose Construction Management for the hands-on approach, and the work variety that construction offers. There are so many fields and market options to explore for everyone. You’re not stuck in one market if it’s no longer your jam. After I graduate, I plan on traveling to the country while working on different projects.”
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Why WCU: “I chose WCU for a different major originally but changed majors because construction is practical and more fun than what I was going for.”
Beyond the Classroom: “The hiking trails and rivers are great around here, much better than Durham. At WCU there is tons to do! The Tuck (River) clean-up, movie nights, pickleball and seasonal events that campus organizations put on are fun.”
Fun Fact: “I’ve seen more turkeys than I have seen bears in my time here at Western.”
Christian R.
Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Major: Construction Management
“I always knew I wanted to do something with math, and I always loved building things. So, I just thought construction management would be the combination of the two. I want to show African Americans that we can be more than just athletes! I plan on working my way up the construction management chain and maybe one day own my own business.”
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Why WCU: “I choose WCU to further my track and academic career. I also wanted to show my family I can finish college!”
Beyond the Classroom: “I run track for the Western Carolina track team!”
Fun Fact: “I have family from Trinidad and love to sing and listen to music.”
Sam P.
Hometown: Clinton, North Carolina
Major: Engineering Technology
“I chose this major because I love the hands-on experiences and practical applications of what I learn!”
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Why WCU: “I was drawn to Western Carolina for the amazing location of the campus and small class sizes that are offered.”
Fun Fact: “I have lived in Korea for two years and traveled to China, Japan and Australia from there.”
Lily S.
Hometown: Boomer, North Carolina
Major: Electrical Engineering-Electric Power & Clean Energy Concentration, Minor in Mathematics
“I chose Electrical Power Engineering because I wanted to be part of (helping) keep the air conditioning and heat on, our devices charged, and hospitals running. The power grid is the backbone of our lives and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of it.”
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Goal: “After I finish my bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue an MBA and begin working full time as a power engineer. During those first few years, I hope to also get my Professional Engineer Licensure and Project Management Professional certification. Long-term, I want to work with various teams to continue developing our power grid, reliability, and improving our current systems.”
Why WCU: “On my first WCU tour, I felt I didn’t really see the engineering department, so I reached out to the CET office for a more focused visit. Dr. Stone, the director, personally met with me, reviewed my transfer credits, and gave my parents and me a private tour of the engineering facilities. After visiting many other schools, I realized none matched WCU’s genuine care for students, and it’s also much more affordable.”
Beyond the Classroom: Catamounts for Christ, Mountain Heritage Day(s), and Sylva Farmer’s Market
Favorite Spot on Campus: “The UC (University Center) balcony and Hillside Grind for caffeine and good vibes! These are not on campus, but Waterrock Knob, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Jackson County Airport have great views and are so peaceful.”
Fun Fact: “I love grandma stuff! You can frequently find me baking, cooking, knitting, crochet, and sipping tea while reading a good book.”
Jaden L.
Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina
Major: Mechanical Engineering
“I really love cars and motorcycles and learning about how they work so I took this major to learn more about things that could help me build and design motor vehicles and potentially get a job in the industry.”
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Why WCU: “I had good first impressions of the school and the College of Engineering and Technology at an Open House; and I really like the mountainous location.”
Beyond the Classroom: “I’m currently active in the Catamount Motor Club, Anime Club, and the Japanglish Club. I enjoy going to the Motor Club’s car meets and talking with others about anime in the Anime Club and doing fun cultural exchange activities in the Japanglish Club.”
Favorite Spot on Campus: “I like to hang out around the fountain. I like to practice my guitar and bass guitar out there a lot.”
Fun Fact: “I can play guitar and bass guitar.”
Tanner D.
Hometown: Jacksonville, North Carolina
Major: Construction Management
“I chose construction management as a way to push my knowledge. My father was a residential GC (General Contractor), but I wanted to see what higher-end commercial work, especially healthcare construction, was like, from the book side and the hands-on side.”
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Why WCU: “I chose WCU over many other options, as it created the most family-like atmosphere. They also have an amazing value I found nowhere else, in both affordability, but also personality. Everyone checks in on you, and they have small class sizes, so the difficult coursework becomes manageable.”
Beyond the Classroom: “Some of the clubs I am a part of are the Construction Management and Engineering Outreach, as well as the Catamount Agricultural Association. I love these clubs as they provide an avenue to build lifelong relationships and expand my skills while also helping the community in some big ways.”
Favorite Spot on Campus: Apodaca Building Terrace. “I love to go to the fifth floor of Apodaca, enjoying the fresh breeze and great views while studying.”
Fun Fact: “Although I go to school in the mountains, I am an avid deep-water fisherman at the coast!”
Ella M.
Hometown: Athens, Georgia
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
“I have always loved programming and working with computers. I want to work with drones for my career.”
Read more about Ella...
Why WCU: “I chose WCU for their engineering program. I have loved the mountains since I was little, so when I came to tour the campus. I just wanted to be here.”
Beyond the Classroom: “I am a part of the disc golf club.”
Fun Fact: “I love to bake desserts and travel the world.”
Grant B.
Hometown: Weaverville, North Carolina
Major: Construction Management
“I chose Construction Management because of the job security and my interest in construction. My career goals are to be a project manager for a commercial or civil construction company.”
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Why WCU: “I chose WCU for the small class sizes, the unbeatable tuition, and a great outdoorsy location. Western drew me in after being on campus for just a few short minutes. The beautiful mountain scenery, perfect campus size, and the willingness of the professors is something that you’ll only find here at Western Carolina University.”
Beyond the Classroom: “I am a part of the snowboard and ski team and cycling club, and am the Vice President of CMAA (Construction Management Association of America) at WCU.”
Fun Fact: “I can ride a unicycle.”
CONTACT US
For more information about visiting WCU, engineering-focused college tours or talking with a student ambassador, email engineering@wcu.edu.