Student Success Stories

 

“If you want a good solid academic base for the industry, definitely enroll in this program.  My engineers were impressed with it!”

 

Kenny Baird
General Manager
LaFollette Utilities Board (APPA & NRECA Member)
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“Nuclear is where my industry is headed, but I couldn’t afford to stop going to work just to take classes.  EPCE’s online programs were ideal for me.”

 

Robin Barfield-McGinnis
Power System Coordinator
Georgia Power
AAS in Nuclear Power Technology, Bismarck State College

 

 

“Now is the time to get in the nuclear industry.   I received a job offer within six months of earning my degree.”

 

Vanessa Fritz
Plant Operator Apprentice (NLO)
South Texas Project
AAS in Nuclear Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“My company brought the EPCE online programs to my attention.  I researched and decided it was something worthwhile.  I was able to get a new position because of my degree.”

 

Jeffy Griffis
System Operator
New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG)
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“From the first lecture this program has helped me with customers, even with generalized discussions.”

 

Steve Hanson
CEO & Partner
M.A. Hanson & Son, LLC
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“I would like to be a lineman. I love learning about transformers and how electricity goes to the houses and buildings.”

 

Lamont Lee
Intern
Oklahoma Gas & Electric
Completed OGE High School Program

 

“If I actually had to go to a classroom, it would have been a much longer process.”

 

Renzo Lopez
Fleet Assistant
ComEd
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“It was like this program was made for me.  I highly recommend it to anyone!”

 

Mike MacDonald
Electrician III
Dominion – Millstone Nuclear Power Plant
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“I thought a degree would give me a leg up as I try to get into the industry.  I have already had several interviews since completing my degree”

 

Jordan Miller
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“If it wasn’t for the EPCE website, I wouldn’t have found my new job.”

 

Eric Murdock
Substation Technician
Specialty Engineering Inc. (NWPPA Member)
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

I chose the EPCE program because it is more realistic for a person that works full time.”

 

Rhodia Sleet
Junior Construction Draftsman
Ameren UE
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“There are always opportunities to move up at my company, and I knew earning this degree would help.  An online program worked for me” 

 

Kevin Snow
First Class Lineman
Marblehead Municipal Light Dept. (APPA Member)
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“It feels a bit scary after being out of school for 20 years, but it all comes back. It’s like riding a bike.  I’m very proud of my accomplishment”

 

Jackie Tupling
Customer Relations Administrator
Chelan County PUD (APPA & NWPPA Member)
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“I would get excited every time a new class started.  Pursuing this Associate’s degree helped me get my current position.”

 

Jonas Whitehead
T&D Coordinator
Garland Power & Light (APPA & NRECA member)
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“Already having my BS in Business Administration, the EPCE program was a great bridge to getting a practical technical degree, working completely around my schedule.”

 

Scott Farrar
Lead Account Executive
National Grid
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“My AAS in Electric Power Technology from BSC is the reason why I have my new position at NYSEG. I couldn’t have obtained this job with out this EPCE program.”

Brenda Paul
Technical Associate
Santee Cooper
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

 

 

“It can be tough to get into a management position with out a degree. This degree allows me to be a qualified competitive candidate.”

Mark Mason
Area Manager Meter Reader
Florida Power & Light
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“Overall it was a really good experience, while stressful at times.  You have to discipline yourself at first.  Try one class first so you can learn how to go to school online.  It is like learning how to ride a bike.”

Velvet Green
Document Management Clerk for Engineering and Drafting
Entergy
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“I have 15 years in the industry.  My new industry-sponsored AAS degree in Electric Power Technology backs up my experience and gives me a sense of job security.”

Eric Johnson
Utility Design Coordinator
Sierra Pacific Power Company
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“My AAS in Electric Power Technology from BSC is the reason why I have my new position at NYSEG. I couldn’t have obtained this job with out this EPCE program.”

Darlene Marble
Electric Field Planner
New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG)
IBEW 83
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

 

“My goal is to work in Operations at the power plant.  Without the EPCE program at Bismarck State College, I would not be able to meet the criteria to qualify for the position.”

Timothy Hostetter
Nuclear Security
Pennsylvania Power & Light
AAS in Nuclear Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“I get upset when people snub their noses at us for getting a degree online.  It isn’t a breeze. It takes a lot more self discipline and time management to complete the same amount of work as a traditional class in a 4 week period.”

Cheryl Love
Engineering Tech
Oklahoma Gas & Electric
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“The nuclear industry is in a growth mode where career opportunities and good pay abound. Earning my degree through EPCE's online Nuclear Power Technology program better positioned me to be a part of that growth.”

Karla Sahl
NLO         
Pilgrim Station, an Entergy Nuclear Power Plant
AAS in Nuclear Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“I'm out of town quite frequently, so a structured classroom setting wouldn't work for me. Being able to work at my courses when my schedule allows has been great. On the whole, this has been a very good experience.”

Thomas Troost
General Manager, Green River Power Station
Kentucky Utilities (KU)
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

I am able to make more strategic business contributions because of the education I gained with my ELPW degree. I am happy to say that in earning my degree, I now have a heightened understanding of the utility industry and the technical aspects of electrical power.”

Linda Bradley
Regional Operations Specialist         
Xcel Energy
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“Many people outside the industry are intimidated by the word 'nuclear' but that mindset isn't necessary. EPCE's programs are so well built that while being broad-based, they don't 'dummy-down' in any way. This makes for content that pertains to industry veterans along with employees new to the industry.” 

JoElla Cole
Nuclear Security Officer for Wackenhut Corporation
Contracted to protect Florida Power & Light's Seabrook Nuclear Power Station
AAS in Nuclear Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“As Project Manager for an electrical contractor I travel quite a bit. So, I'd just stay at a hotel that had Internet access and do my coursework while I was on the road. It was the perfect solution for me.”

Ray Lobb
Project Manager
Par Electrical Contractors
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“I wanted to get a degree in something that was relevant to my work. I not only completed my AAS in Electric Power Technology but also earned a nice raise!”

Rosalind Bowen
Supervisor, Distribution Design
National Grid
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“Just the fact that I was pursuing my education and working to improve my electric industry knowledge made me more valuable to my employer.” 

Corey Haun
Control Systems Specialist
Kennecott Utah Copper
IBEW Local 357 - Former President
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“The EPCE online education program gave me the opportunity to earn a degree that is utility-industry specific.  Many other programs are more general and electrical engineering focused.”

Dave LaMendola        
Field Engineer
Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E)
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

I enrolled in the EPCE online educational program specifically to advance within OG&E.  I’m happy to say that since receiving my AAS degree, I have been promoted and as a result have doubled my salary.”

Julie Landes
Engineering Technician         
Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E)
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“College degrees are a plus.  A degree makes a difference in the way you are perceived by your peers, elevates pay and promotes job security.” 

Rick Nolen
Control Room Operator
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

EPCE’s online educational programs were the only way I could have earned my degree.”

Nicholas Pope
Radiation Protection Technician
Entergy – Grand Gulf Nuclear Station
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College

“I have been working on earning a degree for over thirteen years.  Now that I’ve achieved that goal, I have an unbelievable sense of accomplishment; to actually have a degree is extremely satisfying.”

Steven Barr
Material Verification Specialist
Dominion Virginia Power, North Anna Nuclear Power Station
AAS in Nuclear Power Technology, Bismarck State College

The knowledge I gained through my studies in the EPCE online degree program had a direct correlation to my recent promotion.  Upon earning my AAS in Electric Power Technology, I assumed the title of Operations Manager at our Cooperative.”

John Weisdorfer
Operations Manager         
Springer Electric Cooperative
AAS in Electric Power Technology, Bismarck State College