Graduate Q&A: Kefa Okoth

'I enjoy applying things that I learn in class, so Stout was a good fit'
​Jerry Poling | December 21, 2018

Kefa OkothFollowing is a Q&A with one of the 763 students who received a diploma Dec. 15 at UW-Stout

Hometown: Minneapolis, originally from Kenya
Major: Mechanical engineering

Why did you choose UW-Stout? Because of its well-known, hands-on engineering and technology programs. I am a very hands-on person, and I enjoy applying things that I learn in class, so Stout was a good fit.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in earning your degree? I’m what you'd call a nontraditional student. I am the first and only member of my family to be a four-year college student. I’m 32 years old, I’m married and we are expecting a baby. I also work part time, so trying to balance all these aspects of my life was a big challenge.

What stands out among your college experiences? Academically the professors are very accommodating and always ready to help students achieve their goals. The smaller classes have definitely made student-teacher interactions much better.

What’s next? I have an interview lined up for a new product introduction process engineer position at Pentair in New Brighton, Minn.

###


Mechanical Engineering

All Mechanical Engineering News
Crossing borders: UW-Stout students engineering new, clean water system for village in Ecuador Featured Image

Crossing borders: UW-Stout students engineering new, clean water system for village in Ecuador

Residents of a village in Ecuador are looking forward to having — for the first time — clean water, thanks to three UW-Stout engineering students.
Total package: Students earn two firsts, third in international sustainability challenges Featured Image

Total package: Students earn two firsts, third in international sustainability challenges

Two questions were at top of mind when three teams of UW-Stout students entered two international, industry-sponsored packaging competitions,
PHOTO ESSAY: How Do You Solve a Problem Like …  Featured Image

PHOTO ESSAY: How Do You Solve a Problem Like …

Discover what Manufacturing, Mechanical and Plastics Engineering students do on day one of their Fluid Mechanics class.