Ronald Driggers, Electrical & Computer Engineering Alum

Degrees
Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering ('84)
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering ('86)
PhD in Engineering ('90)

Current Residence
Tuscon, AZ

Current Employer
University of Arizona

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
Graduated from Millington High School and Memphis State University was close and convenient.

How did Herff prepare you for your career?
The academic rigor prepared me well to collaborate and compete with any engineers.  This was noticeable during my time in Washington DC at Army Night Vision Lab, Army Research Lab, and Naval Research Lab.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
How to write, present, and perform independent research.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Professor Carl Halford was an outstanding professor and mentor.  He was a national asset and he graduated a large number of students who went on to make major differences in national security.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
Tau Beta Pi

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
I was poor and I really needed to graduate to start having a decent income.  Our professors said that, as an engineer, you will not get rich, but you would have a good life.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
The time with my doctoral colleagues.  I cannot remember who I went to high school with and I can remember a little about undergrad.  However, all the doctoral students I went through school with are still very close.  We all support each other to this day.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
It will prepare you for a fulfilling and interesting career.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
I wish I knew about opportunities like the DoD SMART program.   There are a good number of programs for students that can support them through school that you just don't hear about.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
Yes, definitely.  I have had a wonderful career and, even though the path has been challenging sometimes, I don't regret any of the journey.