Alumni, Press Releases

College Transfer Grad Lands Career as Engineer

Thomas Bridgers Photo

Thomas Bridgers enrolled at Nash Community College in 2007 upon graduating from Nash Central High School. Like many recent high school graduates entering college for the first time, he was unsure of which career track he wanted to pursue. He recalls simply choosing Nash to be proactive and take the required general education courses and electives to work towards his four-year degree.

“Nash Community College changed my life in regards to being a more involved citizen of the community through the Student Ambassadors program, Gamma Beta Phi society, and the Science Club,” Bridgers said. He not only found his place at Nash, but found his passion too. “He became an invaluable part of the organization and maintenance of the Nash Community College Biodiversity Center,” Biology Instructor and Lead Researcher Dr. David Beamer recalls, citing Thomas’ dedication and keen eye for detail as the reasons for his exceptional academic and extracurricular performance. “It is rare to see students make that type of realization so early in their college career.” Bridgers was the recipient of Nash Community College Foundation scholarships.

Thomas Bridgers graduated from Nash as a college transfer student with Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees in 2011. But his academic journey did not end there. He transferred to East Carolina University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

Today Thomas works for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC in Wilson, NC, a company that develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. Bridgers is an electrical engineer within the plant engineering department focusing his efforts on proprietary, fully automated tire assembly machines. Because of his hard work, he has had the opportunity to travel the world, working on assignments during his career.

“Take your time when considering a career pathway. Unlike a job, a career is a long-term goal and requires more time and effort,” he advises current college students. “It may not seem like it, but you will waste more time and money by spontaneously pursuing an indecisive career pathway. Instead, take the required general courses and electives until you are completely sure; be proactive while making your decision concerning a future career.”