Jerry R Collins Jr, Civil Engineering Alum
Degree(s)
BS (1975) and MS (1976) in Civil Engineering
Current Residence
Memphis, TN
Current Employer
Christian Brothers University and University of Memphis
What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
I received a Herff scholarship upon graduating from high school.
How did Herff prepare you for your career?
I greatly value the instruction I received in my area of concentration, which is/was Environmental Engineering. I was really prepared to achieve my goals in the professional world upon graduation.
What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
I received a strong education regarding potable water treatment and distribution, as well as wastewater collection and treatment. In addition the Engineering Economics class gave me a unique perspective on how to manage design/construction/operation finances. I was also given opportunities as a student to verbally present complex engineering concepts to sophisticated professional engineering audiences.
Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Dr. John Smith in the Civil Engineering Department was my most impactful professor while I was a student in the Herff College of Engineering. From 1973 through 1976 he really inspired and motivated me to learn as much as I could about Environmental Engineering.
Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
I was involved with the student chapter of ASCE. Our ASCE Steel Sewers intramural sports teams were dominant.
What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
The financial support provided by the Herff Academic Scholarship really took pressure off of me so that I could focus on my studies. I was lucky to be surrounded by other high achieving engineering students. They lifted me up. They were an example for me to follow. The Civil Engineering faculty really took the time to get to know their students and they motivated their students.
What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
I spent many rewarding hours in the Civil Engineering Environmental Lab. Who would have thought that learning could be so much fun!?
What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
I would advise students new to the Herff College of Engineering to get a taste of as many engineering majors and specialties as possible so that they will have the best chance to find a niche that they really love.
What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
I wish that I had known that calculus and differential equations are not used very often in the professional engineering world. A strong math background is important, but algebra, geometry and trigonometry really served me well.
Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
My education at the U of M in the Herff College of Engineering was an unbelievable bargain! My $250 per semester scholarship covered my tuition and books, and I usually had about $10 left over.