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Chad Woods

Biography

Mr. Woods is surrounded by success. He earned all A's in a rigorous engineering course at Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) while working 20 hours a week as a tutor in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He was elected vice president of the student body and a member of the student senate in addition to being chosen for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He earned a listing in Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges in 2003 as well as a scholarship. He was named to the NOC President's Leadership Council. But Chad has been focused on more than doing well. He also has tried to do good work by volunteering for many hours of community service, helping with a blood drive, reading to children, and putting on physics demonstrations for grade school students.

This blend of achievement and service isn't the only way Chad expresses dual interests, though. While he intends to seek a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace engineering, he has grown to appreciate the arts during his time at NOC. "I gained a new knowledge of what it takes to be an artist, the skills they have, and a deeper knowledge of artists altogether," he says. "I am now more respectful of the time, effort, and money that go into art exhibits and museums .. I do not claim to be an art scholar but that [appreciation of art] class and the experience I have had recently have opened up my mind to the arts."

So where's does the goal of engineering come from? Chad explains, "I have chosen mechanical engineering because of my curiosity for machines and how they are designed and produced. Mechanical and aerospace engineering make a difference in the world every day." It is an interest that seems to have emerged naturally. Earlier, he worked in an auto parts store and for an electrical contractor on wiring jobs and installing appliances. He also earned money as a waiter and farmhand during his high school years. Now, his dual approach has found its career goal: He is keenly interested one day in turning his engineering education into success developing new businesses and new jobs to offset the declining population of his hometown of Cherokee, OK.

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