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News: Mechatronics program fascinates, inspires Roane State student

Nathan Landers

Dec. 12, 2018

By Bob Fowler
Roane State staff writer

Going to college at first wasn't in his plans, Nathan Landers said.

That was before he read a newspaper article about dual enrollment and the mechatronics program offered by Roane State Community College.

Now, the 21-year-old Andersonville area man is on the verge of graduating with an associate of applied science in mechatronics.

He's also set a new goal. Landers didn't intend to transfer to a university. "But I fell in love with college," he said, "And I've decided to get a bachelor's degree in engineering technology from Tennessee Tech."

"He found a passion for higher education," said Susan Pearson, Roane State's coordinator of academic advising. "He told me that the (mechatronics) program is very challenging and sparked an interest that he never knew he had."

Landers wants to return home and land a job at one of the area's thriving manufacturing plants.

"Being an engineering technologist is where the rubber hits the road," Landers said. "They are the ones who make sure the machinery and the products work as intended."

While a student at Anderson County High, Landers began Roane State's dual enrollment program. He took mechatronics courses at the college's Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility in Clinton in the mornings and returned to high school in the afternoons.

For Landers, the decision to study mechatronics while in high school opened new doors and opportunities.

"I really loved the mechatronics program," he said. "It's a good balance of lectures and classroom learning as well as hands-on experiences -- doing things we learned in class."

He ended up with four mechatronics courses under his belt while in dual enrollment and a new appreciation for the field - and his teachers.

Landers praised Roane State mechatronics educators Dr. Bob Harrison and Guilherme Garcia for their expertise. Harrison, he said, "adjusts his teaching to help different students," while Garcia "brings a lot of experience to the mechatronics program."

While now enrolled full-time at Roane State, Landers takes night classes while he works during the day at SL Tennessee, a huge auto parts manufacturer in Clinton.

He's planning on joining the Air National Guard while he's at Tennessee Tech and then return home after graduation. "There are so many opportunities in this area, and I really love East Tennessee."

"Nathaniel is a shining example of the power of positive influence and education," Pearson said.

To learn more about the mechatronics program, visit roanestate.edu/mechatronics or contact program director Gordon Williams at (865) 354-3000 ext. 4899 or williamsg1@roanestate.edu.

Remember, eligible adults can now attend Roane State tuition-free with the new Reconnect grant. Learn more at roanestate.edu/reconnect.

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