Biography
Kevin has served 10 years on active duty with the United States Navy aboard two ships as a Surface Warfare officer, and in a Seabee Battalion and various roles at Navy Installation Public Works Departments as a Civil Engineer Corps officer. He earned a Bachelor's of Civil Engineering from Auburn University in 2010聽and an ME聽in Engineering Management聽in 2020. Kevin is currently the Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division Director with the U.S. Navy.
Q&A
What made you decide to pursue a degree or certificate in Engineering Management?
While most Civil Engineer Corps officers choose to earn a technical post-graduate degree as a DoD-sponsored student, the opportunity to immerse myself among civilian peers and learn from their experiences, be exposed to and adopt numerous previously unfamiliar concepts, and deeply refine my leadership and managerial skills was too great to not accept the challenge. I am confident these skills will take my teams and the defense organizations I work within the rest of my career exponentially farther than had I steered down the technical path.
Why did you choose the Engineering Management Program at CU Boulder?
First, Boulder is a great place both on campus and off! Second, respected peers and exceptional leaders in my naval community had attended and graduated from the Program in the past. Third, the Program's positive reputation continues to grow as is its variety of course offerings that are both advantageous and applicable in the industry.
How did the program help you in your career?
So far, it is too early to tell as I am a recent graduate. However, I have already begun utilizing leadership and communication course concepts in my newest role that have been beneficial for my team, myself professionally, and most importantly my personal well-being.
What advice would you give a new student in the program?
Even if you have significant leadership and managerial experience, keep an open mind and be receptive to understanding the concepts presented, even if you are skeptical. Use this time as a student again to mentally focus, truly concentrate away from the distractions of the office environment on how you can improve for the long haul. Enhance your prowess as a leader by being willing to genuinely accept making modifications to your style, letting your old guard down, while also honing in both your technical and people skills that you will discover are not as sharp as they could be -- yet.
How would you summarize your experience with the program?聽
Overwhelmingly positive and beneficial in shaping me in many facets, professionally and personally. At risk of using a bromide, it helped me remember that people, like the ones on my teams, are still people; people with families, hobbies, and more importantly, still carry with them a deeper meaning for coming to work where I do than just cashing checks. The Program's subject matter and teachings also uncovered the vast opportunities that exist for any one person to be a substantial contributor to society and effect change. I was able to blend various concepts together from different classes, incorporate them into my existing character composition, and refurbish my leadership style in order to genuinely improve the environment of where I work and the morale of those on my teams.