At Lincoln Memorial University, Holt Hensley has turned a hometown perspective into a clear path forward in civil engineering. A native of Sevier County, Hensley said watching his community’s tourism industry continue to grow and evolve sparked both his interest in the field and his desire to give back through his work.
“Growing up in Sevier County helped shape my decision to pursue engineering because I was raised in a close community that has experienced rapid expansion over the years,” Hensley said. “As the county continues to grow, I have seen how important engineering is for building infrastructure and supporting the community. This growth has created a strong need for engineers in my hometown, and I feel that using my education to help fill that need would allow me to give back to the community that raised me.”
Although engineering interested him early on, Hensley said he did not fully commit to the field until he arrived at Lincoln Memorial University. He said the program’s small, supportive environment helped him gain confidence in his decision.
“I never had one specific moment in high school where I knew engineering was the field for me,” he said. “It was something I was interested in, but I was not completely sure until I came to LMU. Once I got [here] the small environment in the engineering program helped reinforce that I made the right decision.”
At LMU, Hensley built strong relationships with professors and classmates while gaining hands-on experience that strengthened his skills and sense of direction.
“Being in a smaller program allowed me to build relationships with my professors and classmates, and the hands-on experiences and support within the department helped me become more confident that engineering is the path I want to pursue,” he said.
Hensley further developed his understanding of the field through three summers with Blalock Construction, where he saw firsthand how engineering concepts translate into real-world projects.
“Working in the field showed me that being a successful engineer requires much more than just knowing how to design something,” Hensley said. “An engineer has to be able to see a project all the way through and have strong foresight to make sure everything stays on schedule and goes according to plan.”
He said the experience also emphasized understanding construction practices and maintaining clear communication and organization throughout a project.
“My time at Blalock also showed me the importance of communication and organization in engineering,” he said. “I would especially like to thank Bryan Fortner, an engineer at Blalock, who gave me the opportunity to see the meeting and planning side of projects.”
In addition to his internships, Hensley has supported LMU’s engineering program as both a tutor and a member of the steel bridge team. He said those roles allowed him to give back to a program that has supported him throughout his college career.
“LMU’s engineering department has given me a lot of support throughout my time here, and I wanted to help do the same for others,” Hensley said. “Working as a tutor allowed me to connect with younger students, and being part of the steel bridge team gave me the chance to contribute to something that helps the program.”
Looking ahead, Hensley plans to continue his education through a master’s program and pursue career opportunities in the engineering field. He said he is eager to see where his path leads.
“What excites me most about what’s ahead with the master’s program and my professional career is the opportunity to see where this path will take me and what the Lord has in store for my future,” he said. “I am thankful for the chance to continue my education and grow in the field of engineering, and I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that come with it.”
As he reflects on his time at LMU, Hensley said the experience has shaped him far beyond the classroom.
“My time at LMU has helped me grow not only academically, but also personally through the experiences, friendships, and opportunities I have been given along the way,” he said. “This journey has helped shaped who I am today, and I am thankful for everything LMU has given me.”
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The university’s main campus is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about undergraduate and graduate programs, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email admissions@lmunet.edu.
