Any student performing well in math and science courses has inevitably heard the statement, “Maybe you should be an engineer.” Many high-performing math and science students indeed follow the path of an engineer and find themselves in a stable, well-paying, satisfying career. One of the reasons that engineering is an easy-to-pick major is simply because most people have an idea of what engineers do. Designing bridges, researching car engines, and developing mechanical knees are concepts that are both tangible and appealing.
While it is relatively easy to conceptualize what an engineer might do, it is less clear for students how to ultimately arrive at the chosen career. It is clear that taking math and science courses are necessary, but what differences are there in your academic pathway if you want to choose mechanical engineering over civil engineering? What about biomedical engineering and electrical engineering? These are the questions that students must wrestle with once they arrive on a college campus.
At Bay College, we offer several different pathways for our pre-engineering students. Importantly, we also offer the academic advising that is critical to informing students down the right path. Full time faculty serve as our academic advisors, and they are skilled in helping students choose the courses that will get them through their academic career in an efficient manner. Much like an engineer might design an engine to maximize efficiency and minimize cost, we want students to achieve their career goals while at the same time minimizing financial burden. This requires adequate planning, scheduling, and preparation. That’s where our academic advisors can be so valuable to students.
Bay College has an excellent relationship with Michigan Technological University, Lake Superior State University, Northern Michigan University, and other institutions with engineering or engineering technology programs. What many students do not realize is that they can take their first two years’ worth of courses (including engineering courses) right here at Bay College at a fraction of the cost and with a group of faculty that is dedicated to student learning. So if you know someone hoping to become an engineer, have them stop by to speak with our faculty advisors. Furthermore, if you happen to be one of those students who is interested in math and science… maybe you should be an engineer!
What many students do not realize is that they can take their first two years’ worth of courses (including engineering courses) right here at Bay College at a fraction of the cost and with a group of faculty that is dedicated to student learning.
Spotlight on Faculty
Spencer Slade
Spencer Slade
In the fall of 2000, Spencer was hired as a full-time math instructor at Bay College. He primarily teaches Calculus 1, 2, and 3, Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Linear Algebra, and College Algebra. He teaches the same content in his classes at Bay that can be found in similar classes at places like Michigan Tech and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a great bargain for students. Spencer says, “The students at Bay are excellent. They are as good as the students I saw in Madison or at MTU.” In addition to teaching, Spencer is the co-chair of the Academic Advising Team and advisor for the Science and Math Club. Along with physics instructor Dr. Matthew Krynicki, Spencer advises students wishing to begin their engineering coursework at Bay College by completing the Associate in Science in Pre-Engineering. In 2004 and 2013, Spencer received the Outstanding Educator Award at Bay College.
Outside of his job, Spencer enjoys running, playing tennis and basketball, and spending time with his family. He married his wife, Britt, in 2006, and they reside in Vulcan with their two children, Eli and Elsa. Britt also has a master’s degree in mathematics from MTU and is employed as a full-time math instructor at Bay College’s West Campus. Spencer and Britt have numerous friends and family members who are engineers, spanning just about every kind of engineering possible.