ENGINEER IN EDUCATION: JACOB NELSON
INSTRUCTOR, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
FROM | Springfield, Missouri
BS | Kansas State University – Architectural Engineering
MS | Kansas State University – Architectural Engineering
ON WHAT HE’S BEEN UP TO RECENTLY:
- Teaching
- Mechanical Systems
- Facility Design
- Energy & Control Systems
- Construction Drawings & Take-Offs
- Mechanical & Electrical Estimating
- Consulting
- Consulting on various mechanical and electrical systems for local architects and building owners
- Learning
- Pursuing an additional Master’s degree in Business Administration at MSU
- In his free time
- Coaching Little League
- Golfing
- Mountain Biking
ON HIS BACKGROUND:
Mr. Nelson is a Springfield native with family ties to both the area and MSU. Growing up, he “really liked math and enjoyed the design aspect of architecture,” which is why Architectural Engineering had an appeal to him. As he furthered in his studies he found that quality MEP engineers were in demand which led to him earning his degrees with an emphasis in MEP.
Before changing career paths to teaching, Mr. Nelson was a MEP consultant at Colvin Jones Davis for 9 years. He looks forward to the “different perspective and different pace that teaching provides.” He is also looking forward to bringing an engineering perspective to Construction Management.
ON HIS THOUGHTS ON SPRINGFIELD AND MSU:
Having grown up in Springfield, naturally he likes it. His favorite lunch spot is Grad School and his favorite family meal restaurant is Mexican Villa. One thing that Mr. Nelson really likes about Springfield is “how close it is to Branson, Table Rock, and golf courses!”
In regards to MSU, he feels that there are “lots of talented students here” and that “the new facilities have really done a lot for the campus.”
ON HIS TEACHING STYLE AND ADVICE TO GRADUATES:
To be successful in one of his classes, Mr. Nelson recommends that students “do the homework, come to class, and take notes”. He says that he has learned that “hard work takes time to develop” and that “long term hard work does pay off.”
If he were to give advise to soon to be graduates, Mr. Nelson would say to “have patience.” “Sometimes you learn as much from bad experiences as you do the good experiences.”