Graduate Spotlight: Software engineering grad finds nurturing environment at Lipscomb
Two-year Nissan internship gives Duke ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, preparation for career
Kim Chaudoin |
Braden Duke with President Candice McQueen at a recent Lipscomb Friday for prospective students.
When Braden Duke walks across the Allen Arena stage on May 4 at commencement to celebrate the completion of his Bachelor of Science in software engineering, he will do so with a great sense of satisfaction.
The Murfreesboro, Tennessee, native says four years ago as a high school senior contemplating the start of his college career he was unsure of what his future held.
“I was originally very overwhelmed at the idea of leaving home to attend college,” reflects Duke. During his college search process, a visit to Lipscomb University during the annual Presidential Scholars event changed everything.
“While visiting Lipscomb's campus, I experienced a peace about going to school that I had not felt at any other school or had anywhere else in the general college search process,” he says. “Presidential Scholars Weekend showed me how welcoming the Lipscomb community is, how intentional professors are to know you on a personal level, and the beauty of the campus.”
Concerned about the ability to afford the cost of attending Lipscomb, Duke was able to receive additional scholarships, including the Opportunity Scholarship. “That was the final step needed for God to completely open the door for me to be able to come to Lipscomb,” Duke says with a smile.
Duke has made the most of his time at Lipscomb. He eagerly launched into the software engineering program in the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering’s School of Computing. In high school, he took several engineering courses and realized that he did not want to pursue a degree in that discipline but did want to apply engineering design principles to his career.
“I took a basic programming course during my senior year of high school and the summer before coming to college I taught myself Python and found that software engineering was a good fit for my interests and skill sets,” he explains.
For the last two summers, Duke showcased his ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems as an intern at Nissan North America. While there, he wrote a program that automated administrative tasks for the purchasing logistics team, resulting in tangible savings for two fiscal years.
“Working at Nissan has given me professional experience in real-world problem-solving, communicating, and the ability to showcase my abilities,” Duke shares. “By presenting to upper-level leadership within the company, I have helped propel discussions on the role software can play within a company and how automation changes the way a business can be run.”
During his time at Lipscomb, Duke has not only excelled academically but also been involved in campus life. He has served as the lead Resident Assistant (RA) for High Rise Residence Hall, a break-out chapel leader, a member of the President Student Advisory Council, a member of the RA council, a College of Engineering ambassador, a member of Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honors Society, a IDEAL peer mentor, Lipscomb Friday speaker, a part of the Mentoring Network, a Collins Honors Scholar and participated in mission trips.
“I have loved my time at Lipscomb. The community of people that this school draws in are kind, welcoming, personable and just all-around good people,” reflects Duke. “It is my interactions with my peers and professors that have shaped my college experience. I will remember my time at Lipscomb fondly for the way it has shaped me as a person and the opportunities it has provided for me to interact with my peers, professors, administrators and the Nashville community.”
Duke found the academic environment at Lipscomb to be a nurturing one where faculty members are deeply invested in their students' success and well-being. He says Ken Mayer, assistant professor in the School of Computing, has had a meaningful impact on his college experience. “Outside of being a highly qualified professional, he provides a level of mentorship and relationship that I never imagined having with a professor,” he shares. “He is someone I know I can always go to when I need to discuss big things that are going on in my life both personally and academically.”
I will remember my time at Lipscomb fondly for the way it has shaped me as a person and the opportunities it has provided for me to interact with my peers, professors, administrators and the Nashville community. — Braden Duke
As graduation approaches, Duke has mixed feelings about reaching this milestone. "I am eager to see what comes next and what doors are opened,” he admits. “But I will also miss being plugged in on campus and getting to be a part of Res Life. It has provided a great opportunity to get to know people on campus and make a difference on a personal level for so many people's college experiences.”
Following graduation, Duke plans to stay in the greater Nashville area and work in a role that relies on both technical and strong interpersonal skills.
He has final words of advice for current and future Lipscomb students.
“I want to share that it is each person's responsibility to make their college experience what they want it to be,” encourages Duke. “Regardless of how you want to get plugged into the university, there is a place for you. The hardest part is being intentional to find your people and invest in those relationships. Once you have done that, it becomes a daily blessing and makes each day a great day to be at Lipscomb.”
For more information about Lipscomb’s School of Computing visit, www.lipscomb.edu/computing.