YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – After seven years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force, Kendall Dingus chose to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Youngstown State University.
A Niles native and Air Force reservist, Dingus worked on aircraft radio and navigation systems. He said his technical experience made engineering a natural fit.
One of his first stops on campus was the Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center, where staff helped him navigate his GI Bill benefits and adjust to college life. “It’s a cool little spot here just to come hang out between classes and decompress,” he says.
Dingus said the transition from the military’s structure to a university environment took time, particularly learning to manage unstructured time between classes and balancing school with family and reserve responsibilities.
Returning to school has reignited his interest in problem-solving and design. Dingus hopes to apply his experience to a career in the aerospace or automotive industries.
Read more in Denise Dick’s story HERE.