Bobby McVay, Mechanical Engineering Alum

Name
Bobby James  McVay

Degrees
BSME (1998), MSME (2001), MBA (2016)

Current Residence
Lakeland, TN

Current Employer
Medtronic

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
Herff offered a nationally accredited Engineering program that had specialized opportunities in the Biomedical space, offered me a partial scholarship, and was local.  It ticked all the boxes for me and was the easiest decision I made.

How did Herff prepare you for your career?
The College of Engineering not only gave me the "book knowledge" necessary for my success, but also connected me with research opportunities that in turn led to publishing opportunities that then led to internship opportunities during my Graduate program.  The program was very supportive, and helped me build a "body of work" that made me attractive to employers in the area.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
Throughout my interaction with the professors and Program Staff, they taught me the importance of disciplined documentation, and clear and concise writing.  If you look for help, it is easy to find.  If you seek assistance, it is always available. The people are what makes the program, and these are some great people.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
I had the pleasure of studying under some amazing Professors, but if I had to pick only one . . . I would say that most impactful professor Dr. Gladius Lewis - for teaching me that failure is not failure if you learn from your mistake, and for giving me my first opportunity to perform some basic applied research and publish the data as an undergraduate student.  Incidentally, and probably related, Dr Lewis also earns the award for "Most Difficult Exams."

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
I was very active in the Baptist Student Union. I played on an intramural flag football team and attended quite a few Football and Basketball games on a Student Ticket over the years.  GTG!

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
I actually had to take a 2-year sabbatical and work full-time to realize that I really wanted to finish my degree and work in the Biomedical field, rather than the food and service industry.  My friends changed their majors, but I always knew Engineering was the right fit for me.  Once I was re-motivated to work at being a student, The College of Engineering was there with open arms.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
I have so many fond memories, but I did recently return to the Fluids Lab and saw that my artwork is still on the walls!  The Scuba diver about to be attacked by a shark is some of my handiwork (from 20 years ago).

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
If you want to be challenged, and emerge a stronger and more confident person, then you should go for it! I would say to you - "Don't give up!"  It will be difficult at times, but it is worth it.  Stick with it, and you will never regret it.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
I wish my program had offered a class that covered the global regulatory landscape for medical devices.  That was something I had to learn while doing.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
My experience was worth every penny.  I have a career that I love, it challenges me and forces me to continue learning, and the foundation was laid at the Herff College of Engineering.