B.S. in Electrical Engineering, 1987
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, 1954
As chief operating officer of LG&E and KU, Lonnie Bellar is responsible for ensuring the company provides safe, affordable and reliable natural gas, electricity and customer service to 1.3 million customers in Kentucky and Virginia. Bellar became COO in March 2018 after climbing through the ranks of the electric and natural gas utility industry for more than 30 years.
When David Shippy graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, he followed in the footsteps of his father and UK College of Engineering faculty member Dr. David Shippy. While at UK, the younger Shippy held membership in Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering honor society, and frequently made the Dean’s list. Shippy says his engineering education at UK laid a strong foundation in engineering for his master’s program at Syracuse University and, later, a 30- year career as a computer engineer.
Joan Coleman describes herself as a life-long learner, a trait she learned from her parents. Raised in Erlanger, Kentucky, in a large family that had a strong work ethic and interest in calculus and physics, Coleman, whose family name is Adkisson, followed two of her brothers into the engineering profession. In addition to her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky, Coleman earned a master’s degree in public and private management from Birmingham-Southern College.
With over 25 years of experience in electrical systems, Uday Deshpande has built an impressive career. He has worked on various products including blender and stand mixers, electric power steering actuators, brushless motor technology, electromagnetic aircraft launch systems and arresting gear for aircraft carriers.
Gregg Coleman wanted to be the first in his family to have a degree in engineering. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1985, making his parents and two brothers proud.
For over 30 years, Rob Beeler has provided strategic and technical leadership for software development organizations. A technological executive and entrepreneur, Beeler is currently chief technology officer and co-founder of Trava Security, a startup in the cybersecurity and cyber insurance space.
Vincent M. Holloway is a vice president within Tetra Tech’s Federal IT Group. This role culminates over 38 years of leadership and technical experience in the United States Army and defense service industry as a senior business and technology executive.
Major General Trey Rawls is culminating a distinguished 32-year career with the United States Air Force as one of the preeminent strategic experts in operational capabilities for 5th generation warfare. As the Commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Maj. Gen. Rawls is responsible for the operational test and evaluation of more than 98 major acquisition programs valued at more than $1 trillion.
