Contact: Phil Hearn
MSU engineering graduates (l-r)Andrew Stahr, Justin Rucker and Nils Wahlander.
Three December Mississippi State engineering graduates are the latest recipients of Jack Hatcher Entrepreneurship Certificates, a program that promotes careers combining technical and business skills.
Completing the program prior to fall semester graduation and being awarded the certificates by the university's Bagley College of Engineering were Justin T. Rucker, an electrical engineering major from Columbus; and Andrew J. Stahr of Covington, La., and Nils E. Wahlander of Plymouth, Minn., both of whom majored in mechanical engineering.
Rucker's degree was awarded summa cum laude, the highest of three honor graduate categories.
The certificate program was begun in 2001 through a gift from MSU alumnus Jack Hatcher, a Ripley native and 1949 civil engineering graduate. By exposing prospective engineering graduates to the business aspects of their profession, the program prepares students for possible corporate management careers.
Academic coursework, a seminar series and a "company" or project experience comprise the entrepreneurship experience.
"The Entrepreneurship Certificate Program is a great way to learn the business aspects of high-tech industry, and is excellent preparation for pursuing an MBA," said college dean A. Wayne Bennett.
Hatcher, who also holds an engineering master's degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology, co-founded the nation's second-largest metal building manufacturing company. After selling it to an international firm, he became president of the combined companies.
Later, he served for 10 years as chairman and chief executive officer of Chicago-based Robertson-Ceco Corp. a Fortune 500 manufacturer of pre-engineered metal buildings. Hatcher and his wife Nell now reside in Pinehurst, N.C.
"Mr. Hatcher's entrepreneurial spirit is evident through his many successes of turning around underachieving companies," said Gerald Nelson, MSU engineering instructor and director of the entrepreneurship program. "From his enjoyment and satisfaction in entrepreneurship came his desire to create the chair."
For more information about the Hatcher certification program, contact Nelson by e-mail at gnelson@engr.msstate.edu.
LOCAL EDITORS:
Justin Rucker is the son of Jeffrey and Susan Rucker.
Andrew Stahr is the son of Charles and Beth Stahr.
Nils Wahlander is the son of Anders and Kathy Wahlander.