EPCE Learner Success Story: Kip Hilton

Kip Hilton 

Bachelor of science, electrical engineering technology
 

Kip Hilton grew up on a farm and decided to join the Navy as a suclear submarine mechanic when he was 18 years old. He spent six years in the Navy, then a couple of years at Budweiser as a utility operator before starting at Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center, a nuclear power generating station.  He started as an equipment operator and has worked his way up to a licensed reactor operator, thanks in part to his education.

“I had always been interested in circuits and electronics and had considered going back to school to obtain an electrical engineering degree,” Kip said. He learned about the online B.S. in electrical engineering program through Excelsior University from a career fair his company had. Kip noted he chose the Excelsior program for a couple of reasons: “Between rotating shift work and kids, attending in person wasn’t possible. Also, many of my Navy credits and credits from my reactor operator training were accepted, which allowed me to finish my degree more quickly.”

Kip appreciated the flexibility of the program, which allowed him to complete the program around his shift schedule and family events.  He also enjoyed the opportunity to “meet” new people who shared the same goals and working on projects with them during his courses.  He was proud to tell his children that he earned his college degree.

He credits his degree with having a positive impact on his current role, noting, “It has made me much more competent in my job with regards to diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repair of complex instrument and control systems. Before this program I had the basic knowledge to understand something was wrong. Now, I understand what is wrong and can correct or mitigate the problem before the issue worsens.  It has provided me an enhanced understanding of the instrument and control systems associated with plant operation.”  He has also advocated for others in his organization to pursue further education, and even plans to continue that journey himself, noting he intends to also pursue a master’s degree.