EPCE Learner Success Story: Ian R. Kerr

Ian R. Kerr

Bachelor of science, nuclear engineering technology 

For those in the nuclear industry looking to make the transition to management, such as senior reactor operator (SRO), a necessary component is a technical bachelor’s degree specific to the nuclear industry.  Ian R. Kerr began his career in nuclear energy at SCANA as a non-licensed operator (NLO) upon earning his associate degree.  He knew he wanted to advance his career, which required becoming licensed, as well as earning a bachelor’s degree.

He also knew what degree program would help him get there—the online bachelor of science in nuclear engineering technology (BSNET) from Excelsior University—as it is highly respected within the nuclear industry. “There are very cut-and-dry requirements to become an SRO, and the BSNET degree from Excelsior checks that box, allowing a candidate to qualify for direct SRO in lieu of the additional two to three years via the upgrade path,” Ian explained.  Another reason he chose the Excelsior program is because of the significant amount of credit for prior learning (CPL) credits the school provided from his associate degree and experience from his NLO training program toward his bachelor’s degree program, which helped him expedite completing his degree.

An aspect of the program Ian enjoyed was the capstone class, noting, “One of the really positive experiences was the opportunity to build relationships and have camaraderie with others in the industry through the capstone course.  Sometimes it felt like looking in a mirror; that there were others across the country that had the same ambitions I did.”  Ian added, “I still keep in touch with some of them and we can discuss industry events, how we are handling things at our plants, etc.”

After earning his degree and becoming a senior reactor operator at Nebraska Public Power District, Ian made the decision to move to Georgia for an opportunity with Southern Nuclear in January of 2024, as he said he preferred the weather in Georgia to Nebraska—much less snow!  He is currently a shift support supervisor in training and in the middle of his two-year training program at Vogtle Plant’s units 3 and 4 first hot license class, the newest nuclear plants in the world.  When asked if he would recommend the Excelsior University program to others, he enthusiastically endorsed it: “I absolutely would and have recommended this program to others.  I feel like I’ve become a byproduct of those that helped shape me in that I was encouraged to pursue this degree, and now I encourage others that aspire to advance their careers to go through the program.”