Working for the family business, there was always a struggle for good engineers,” says Jeff Tickle (’90) of Bristol, Tennessee. And not just any engineers, he emphasizes, “but those who can understand process—how to do things. … JMU is producing the kind of engineers that manufacturing needs.”
Now a successful entrepreneur, Tickle recently committed $2.5 million to the College of Integrated Science and Engineering, whose students engage in hands-on, collaborative design work beginning in the first year—a rarity in undergraduate engineering.
“Jeff’s gift,” says Bob Kolvoord, dean of the college, “is going to allow us to take the next step in becoming a national model for this kind of engineering program.”
'Jeff understands this vision, and importantly, the rare opportunity to create
something special together. His gift will not only help us transform
Madison Engineering from good to great, but in the process nurture
engineers who can make your world better.’
— Kurt Paterson, head, Department of Engineering