Scott Shankle, Engineering Technology Alum

Degrees:
BSET (1999) & MSET (2001)

Current Residence:
Memphis, TN

Current Employer:
Orchid Orthopedic Solutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering? 

Coming from a small town in West Tennessee, I sought practical, application-based education and ROI for my time, effort, and resources in an engineering field. A state scholarship guided me to Memphis and Herff, where I found a "home" in the Engineering Technology program, perfectly blending hands-on learning and career-focused outcomes.

.How did Herff prepare you for your career? 

Herff provided a strong foundation through my BS and MS in Engineering Technology with a Manufacturing concentration, complemented by courses in Computer Science and Business. This combination equipped me for a career in Quality and Operations, eventually advancing to senior leadership. The UofM Co-Op program was pivotal, connecting me to roles at Smith & Nephew and Wright Medical that shaped my career path. These experiences sparked my passion for driving operational excellence, a pursuit I remain dedicated to today.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career? 

Herff equipped me with invaluable skills, from technical foundations in manufacturing processes and mechanical design to operations management principles like planning, health & safety, and lean manufacturing. The statistical coursework, in particular, has been a cornerstone of my career, shaping my approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

 Who was your most impactful professor? Why? 

It’s hard to choose from so many, but Deborah Hochstein, Scott Southall, and Carl Williams were instrumental in my technical, teamwork, and leadership development. Their encouragement and belief in me—often more than I had in myself—helped build the confidence that has been critical to my career success and personal growth.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)? 

As a student member of SME, I gained valuable real-world insights through plant tours, complementing my academic studies. Additionally, serving as a captain and an officer for the UofM Rugby Team further honed my leadership skills, competitive spirit, and ability to build strong connections—traits that have carried over into my professional and personal life.

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal? 

While the university and college both provided a wealth of support, I'd have to say my family and friends were the most important.  Like the saying goes, "it takes a village" and it's incredibly value when you surround yourself with people who support you.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff? 

The first thing that comes to mind is when Professor Hochstein asked me about teaching a class.  Until then, I just considered myself just another one of the guys trying to make it through.  After that, I started to think "You know what, I may actually be good at some of this!". I think that was the start of my leadership development.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?

Focus on building strong relationships—your network will be invaluable. Align your education and career path with what you enjoy, but don’t stress over having all the details figured out—they’ll evolve, and that’s okay. Maximize the ROI of your education and, most importantly, enjoy the journey. 

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff? 

I wish I could remind my younger self to embrace uncertainty; career paths evolve, and that’s part of the journey. It's all going to end up great, so enjoy the process.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently? 

It was definitely with the price!  I consider it one of the highest value investments of my life.  And I didn't like to dwell on hindsight, but I'm not actually sure I'd do anything differently.  I've been pretty fortunate and worked be happy to do it all again!