Nate Diamond
After 10 years of working at a job and feeling like it wasn’t going anywhere, Nate Dimond needed a change. It was only after speaking with Dr. Tim Wilson, Cleveland State’s Technology Department Chair, that he decided to enroll in CSCC’s Mechatronics program.
“I told Tim I was unhappy with my current situation, and I was so frustrated at the time,” said Mr. Dimond. “I had been there a decade and I was going nowhere. Tim explained everything about the program and encouraged me to try CSCC.
It all made sense to me, so I enrolled. I really like having the dual function of mechanical and electrical engineering that mechatronics offers instead of simply one single primary function.”
A self-proclaimed “fan of community college,” Mr. Dimond had attended one years ago in Illinois and had a good experience prior to enrolling at CSCC. “The teachers are so nurturing at a community college. They always want to help, and they are truly invested in you. They are an absolute blessing.”
“CSCC is also an incredibly veteran-friendly campus. I first noticed this when I visited the Student Center, and Ray Goad (former Veterans Affairs Coordinator) was not in his office, but had a note with his personal cell phone number posted with a note to not hesitate to call at any time if someone needed something.
“Everyone has just been so caring. From my advisor to my instructors to other staff members, they could not have been more helpful.”
Shortly after enrolling at CSCC, Mr. Dimond was offered a better position making more money with Bayer. Dimond is a Mechanic / Changeover Specialist there and said he loves the fact that Bayer offers tuition reimbursement which has been a huge help for him.
“I started out making $2 more an hour there,” he said. “I’m very thankful to Bayer because they have been very accommodating with school because they realize it is an investment in their company by investing in me. Hard work pays off, and you shouldn’t let excuses get in the way of a more prosperous future. You should view your education as an investment in you that gets you further in your career faster!”
After graduating with his associate degree in Mechatronics, Mr. Dimond plans to transfer to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) to complete his bachelor’s degree, but hopes to continue his career at Bayer upon graduation.
For more information on Cleveland State’s Mechatronics program, contact Dr. Wilson at 423 472-7141, ext. 447 or visit the website at www.clevelandstatecc.edu.