On Friday, April 11, the Northeast Texas Community College Department of Physics and Engineering hosted the first Annual Engineering Roundtable and Luncheon in the Student Union Building on campus.† The event was sponsored by the NTCC Foundation to provide opportunities for current engineering majors and prospective engineering students from area high schools to learn more about the field of engineering.
The following guest engineers gave introductory overviews of their careers and led group sessions:
- Richard Baney, P.E., Professor of Mechanical Engineering, LeTourneau University
- Les Brown, P.E, Principal & Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Baird-Hampton-Brown
- Joe Hart, P.E, Civil Engineer, Principal, Johnson & Pace, Inc.
- Roger Farr, M.S. ChE, Chemical Engineer, Leadership Development, Consultant, Life Coach, NTCC Continuing Education
- Roger Ledbetter, P.E., Area Civil Engineer, Texas Dept. of Transportation
- Jennifer Scott, P.E., Chemical Engineer, Department of Engineering, University of Texas at Tyler
- Robbie Watts, P.E., Electrical Engineer, Retired, Luminant Industries
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Literature and brochures about the various fields of engineering were available for the attendees.† According to engineering instructor Roy Hodson, P.E., ?The guest engineers were invaluable sources of information and motivation for our students. Their contributions made this a meaningful and memorable day for the students.?
The 28 students represented the campus engineering program, Mt. Pleasant High School, Winnsboro High School, and Pittsburg High School.† Following the luncheon, they were divided into small groups and seated at round tables for discussion with the guest engineers about careers in engineering.† One of the freshman engineering students, Nicholas Norton, commented, ?The presentations and roundtable sessions were very enjoyable and helpful.† Getting to talk to several professional engineers of different fields gave us a taste of what being an engineer is really like.?
Ricky Huitema, a sophomore engineering student, said, ?Mr. Farr?s words inspired me to focus even more on education and minimalize distractions.† His advice was obviously based on his experience and expertise that he obtained in his successful career.?
For more information about the NTCC Engineering Program of Study, contact Dr. Mark Bouwens (mbouwens@ntcc.edu), Associate Professor of Physics or Dr. Paula Wilhite (pwilhite@ntcc.edu), Division Chair of Mathematics, Physics, & Engineering.
