Fairview High School Students Graduate with College Credentials In-Hand

When eight Fairview students crossed the stage at their high school graduation, they were also recognized for earning a technical certificate or associate degree in engineering systems technology from Columbia State Community College.

“This is an achievement not easily attained,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “I am proud of all of the students who put in hard work to graduate from the program.”

Mario Pukl is the first student to graduate from Fairview with an Associate of Applied Science degree in EST. To earn the degree, Pukl had to complete 62 credit hours.

Pukl is heading to the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering. Over the summer, he will be interning with APCOM, Inc. in Franklin.

Students earning a technical certificate had to complete 19 credit hours and included: Jacob Brewer, Vickey Bush, Ethan White, James Hutchison, Ryan Clinard, Carlos Moore-Miller and Ian Scruggs. 

The students went through rigorous coursework that covered a variety of topics including safety, electrical, mechanical power transmission, fluid power systems and more. 

“My favorite thing about the program was the opportunity to broaden my educational horizons,” White said.

After going through the program, several students have chosen to continue their education to earn two and four-year degrees in the field. 

“I chose this program because it’s very interesting, it’s something not a lot of people do and it allowed me to work with my hands,” Bush said. “I plan to continue at Columbia State to finish the remaining credits I need to earn the associate degree.”

The technical certificate in engineering systems technology is a one-year program designed to prepare graduates for many different careers related to manufacturing with an emphasis on technology, critical thinking, and problem solving. Students take courses in the basic fundamentals of industrial technology and move to more advanced applications including Programmable Logic Controls.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in engineering systems technology is a two-year program designed to prepare graduates for many different careers related to manufacturing with an emphasis on technology, critical thinking and problem solving. Students take courses in the basic fundamentals of engineering technology and move to very advanced applications including robotics. This degree is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering.

To learn more about the EST program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/EST   or contact Mehran Mostajir at 931.540.2711 or mmostajir@ColumbiaState.edu.