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Q&A: UT Tyler Prepared Distinguished Alumnus for Successful Career

Mike Clendenin graduated in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and stays active in the Tyler community. The president at EMA Engineering and Consulting, he was most recently named a 2020 UT Tyler COE Distinguished Alumnus. In the following question and answer segment, learn more about the Tyler native and why he credits UT Tyler for his success.

Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I grew up in Tyler and began working at EMA Engineering and Consulting during college 26 years ago. My wife, Leah and I have been married for 19 years, and we have three children: Seth, age 15, Will, age 13, and Maggie, age 10.

Describe your educational journey. . .How did you discover UT Tyler?

Growing up in Tyler, I was always aware of the University, but I always thought I would pursue engineering, so UT Tyler wasn’t an option until 1997 – when the program started. At the time, I was working as an intern for EMA and taking classes at Tyler Junior College. I was preparing to go to Texas A&M most likely. When UT Tyler announced that there would be an engineering program starting, I decided to stay in Tyler and work for EMA part-time through college. The timing could not have been better for me.

What does being named a College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus mean to you?

I am very proud of the Distinguished Alumni Award. I know many people who have been through the system who deserve this award, and to be considered with that group really means a lot.

What do you like about the UT Tyler College of Engineering?

I like the interaction that takes place between students and professors and the relationships that are built. I feel like this is lost at larger universities where students are simply numbers shuffled through large classes. Even with the growth that UT Tyler has seen, I’ve noticed many long-term relationships that come out in the end.

How did UT Tyler prepare you for a successful career?

I feel like UT Tyler prepared me for a “real-life” career. My professors understood the local industry and what it meant to work outside the University. I learned about great teamwork, and I also learned the importance of communication with people who might not have a technical background like engineering.

In what ways do you give back?

Our company is a big supporter of UT Tyler both financially and through hiring. We currently have over 30 people working at EMA with UT Tyler engineering degrees and even more who are studying at the University. We also give back financially through the Patriot Golf Classic and, most recently, the Student Emergency Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also enjoy giving my time whenever it is needed – speaking at senior seminars, serving on advisory boards, etc.

What motivates you to stay involved?

I give back because I love this community, and I think UT Tyler has made a positive impact in the last 25 years. I want it to be the best it can be so that my kids have the same great experience I had if they choose UT Tyler. I also give back because UT Tyler has been such an important factor in the success and growth of EMA. We truly would not be where we are without our amazing group of UT Tyler engineers.

Who was your favorite professor, and why?

This is a hard one because I enjoyed all of my professors in different ways. I spent a lot of time in the offices of Tom Crippen, Jeff Greendyke and Hassan El-Kishky. Leonard Hale also had an impact. But if I have to pick a favorite, it would be Jeff Mountain. Dr. Mountain always had an open door and spent extra time helping our class, and we continue to keep in touch and help each other in our professional careers.

What advice do you have for current UT Tyler students?

I regularly tell UT Tyler students that they have made a great decision to attend UT Tyler and specifically the engineering program. This world needs problem solvers more than ever now. I believe UT Tyler engineers are equipped to handle any job that requires critical thinking, teamwork and engineering fundamentals. UT Tyler provides graduates who are on par with all of the other top engineering universities. I tell students that companies that are hiring are looking for people just like you, but you also have to be willing to go to where the work is.

What are your hobbies/interests?

I enjoy golf, camping with my family, riding dirt bikes with my kids and pretty much anything that happens outdoors.

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