Laura Whitsitt, Mechanical Engineering Alum

Degrees
BS Mechanical Engineering ('87), MS Mechanical Engineering ('88)

Current Residence
Memphis, Tennessee

Current Employer
LSWhitsitt Consulting (Retired from Smith+Nephew)

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
I always loved math and science.  Several teachers recommended that I pursue engineering in college.  I toured Herff College and really liked the opportunities presented to me.

How did Herff prepare you for your career?
The Mechanical Engineering program at Herff prepared me to design orthopaedic implants and instruments and to solve problems during my time at Smith+Nephew.  The leadership roles I held in engineering and other college organizations prepared me to lead teams and provided a foundation for the leadership coaching and board work I am now involved in since retiring from Smith+Nephew.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
problem solving, product design, teamwork, leadership

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Dr. John Ray and Dr. Ed Perry.  Both encouraged me to be the best student and engineer I could be.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
Tau Beta Pi (President), Pi Tau Sigma, Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
My faith, family, friends and teachers were great support!  The other students in my mechanical engineering class were the best.  We worked together and supported each other through tough times and had lots of fun together. As far as keeping focused on the goal, I found it critical to be diligent in my studying and not fall behind.  I found out quickly that all-night study sessions did not work for me.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
Being asked by my fellow students to be President of Tau Beta Pi.  I had not really been focused on leadership at this time in my life, but taking on that role was the beginning of my interest in leadership which developed further throughout my career.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
Go for it!  If you love math and science, you'll do well.  If you don't love math and science, I recommend considering a different career.  It is important to love what you do, in school and in your career.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
The importance of understanding business in a corporate engineering role.  I would have taken a few business classes along the way, as well as biology classes given that I ended up in the medical engineering field.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
Absolutely.  Costs for Herff were moderately priced and the scholarship I received covered my tuition and most of my expenses.  I believe I was just as prepared for my roles as others who graduated from much more expensive schools.