Robyn Williams, a 1996 chemical engineering graduate hailing from Martin, Kentucky, has a UK Engineering story that has been woven by a common thread – scholarships. From the Henry Mason Lutes Scholarship that opened doors for her as an undergraduate to her years of dedication to scholarship work on the UK Engineering Alumni Association (UKEAA), Williams has been a testament to and an advocate for opportunity in engineering.
Williams, a Nashville resident and insights and strategy director for emerging solutions at Bridgestone Americas, recently furthered her commitment to the UKEAA when she began her tenure as president. Joining the scholarships committee in 2016 and then the UKEAA board in 2018, Williams has witnessed more opportunities than ever for alumni to remain engaged with their alma mater, no matter their geography.
“Most of our alumni – me included – live outside Central Kentucky, but we all have a vested interest in the sustained growth of the Pigman College of Engineering and the success of our Engineering students,” William said.
As UKEAA president, Williams’ primary intention has been to broaden the reach of the UKEAA. With opportunities for in-person support at events and virtual networking and mentoring programs with current students, there is no limit to involvement. To reach more students, Williams believes she must reach more alumni and she has outlined three important ways she and the UKEAA have been working to do this.
“My goals for the year are to 1.) expand awareness of the UKEAA, 2.) broaden participation in the Alumni Mentoring Program and 3.) bring more visibility – and contributions – to our UKEAA Alumni Scholarship Program,” Williams shared.
Williams has always felt an immense amount of personal pride for being not only an engineering graduate from the University of Kentucky, but one from Eastern Kentucky. This is what feeds her passion that is evident when she’s cheering UK on from the sidelines at a game, serving the College in various roles and sharing her experiences with the impressive students she mentors. Bearing witness to the evolution of the College since her days in Anderson Hall has been a special experience for Williams.
“I want to see the UK Engineering brand continue to gain significance,” she said. “It is invigorating to witness the physical changes on campus as well as the growth in global recognition of our engineering faculty, staff and students.”
Beyond the pride she feels on a personal level, Williams is equally motivated by the shared pride and strong sense of community that is characteristic of UK Engineering alumni. In a room full of UK-educated engineers, Williams says there are no strangers.
“Show up to any Engineering Alumni event and you won’t want for conversation,” Williams quipped.
For more information or to get involved, visit engr.uky.edu/alumni-philanthropy/ukeaa.
