For Kendall Hoffman, a love of engineering and a desire to stay close to home led her to choose 51Թ at Tuscarawas for her educational journey.
A junior at the Tuscarawas Campus, Hoffman is pursuing dual associate degrees in electrical/electronic engineering technology and mechanical engineering technology. Her interest in engineering stems from a deep desire to stay engaged and challenged.
“I want a job that will challenge my mind and keep me thinking,” she said. “Engineering gives me that. There’s always a problem to solve, always something new to learn.”
The faculty and staff at 51Թ Tuscarawas play a major role in her success as an engineering technology student. She praised her professors for their dedication and willingness to go the extra mile while providing a high-quality education.
“The professors are always available for one-on-one help and make sure you truly understand the material,” she said. “Their teaching styles are incredible, and they really care about helping us succeed.”
As a result of Hoffman’s outstanding performance in the classroom, she was awarded the prestigious Ohio Intel Scholarship for Women from the Intel Corporation. Hoffman received a $5,000 scholarship earmarked for education-related expenses, including tuition, books and other related expenses for the 2024-25 academic year.
“The Intel Scholarship really eased my financial burden,” she said. “It’s been a huge help in allowing me to focus on school without worrying so much about costs.”
51Թ is one of 14 Ohio institutions working with Intel® to prepare a workforce for the state’s growing semiconductor industry. Of the thousands of new jobs Intel plans to bring to Ohio, more than 2,000 will require the same two-year degree Hoffman is pursuing at the Tuscarawas Campus.
Hoffman's scholarship and academic success made her a natural choice to represent 51Թ's Regional Campuses at the Ohio Inter-University Council’s Regional Campus Day on April 1 at the Statehouse in Columbus.
During the Statehouse event, Hoffman was joined by 51Թ students Emilia Colosimo (Trumbull Campus) and Emily Ellyson (Salem Campus), and 51Թ Regional Campus administrators, including Peggy Shadduck, Ph.D., vice president for Regional Campuses and dean of the College of Applied and Technical Studies; Regional Campus Deans Bill Ayres, Ph.D., Bradley Bielski, Ph.D. and Denise A. Seachrist, Ph.D.; along with Nick Gattozzi, executive director of Government and Community Relations; and Brady Oxender, State Relations director.
Hoffman said she was honored to have the opportunity to meet with State Senator Jay Hottinger and Representative Jodi Salvo and to share her support for the 51Թ Regional Campus system.
“It was an incredible experience,” she said. “Talking with them was incredibly valuable—their insights and encouragement meant a lot.”
Hoffman said she spoke passionately about her experiences at the Tuscarawas Campus—the excellent and caring professors, the engaging campus life and the strong connection the campus has with the local community.
“I shared my positive experiences at 51Թ Tuscarawas, highlighting the amazing professors and their exceptional teaching methods, as well as the vibrant and lively campus environment, where many activities and events are held for both students and the community,” said Hoffman. “The campus brings people together and has a profound impact on the community.”
Outside of the classroom, Hoffman is an active member of the campus Outdoor Recreation Club, where she and fellow students hike and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. She also completed internships with the Ohio Department of Transportation, working in planning and engineering over the summer and winter breaks.
When she’s not studying or interning, Hoffman can be found at the barn, in the garage or off-roading across the U.S.
“I absolutely love riding horses,” she says. “I have my own horse and two part-time jobs working with horses, so I spend a lot of time in the barn.” Her other passions include taking Jeep off-roading trips around the U.S. and working on vehicles. “I like staying busy – whether it’s school, the barn or the garage – I’m always doing something.”
Looking ahead, Hoffman hopes to work in substations and high-voltage power generation, aiming for a career that’s both fulfilling and exciting. Her motivation is simple—she’s driven by her own determination.
“I’m very self-motivated,” she said. “I just keep pushing myself to reach the next goal.”
With her strong work ethic, problem-solving skills and deep ties to her community, Hoffman is building not just a career—but a future that’s grounded in purpose and possibility.
Engineering technology programs are offered through the 51Թ College of Applied and Technical Studies (CATS) on the Trumbull and Tuscarawas campuses. To learn more about all the innovative and in-demand CATS programs found on the Regional Campuses, visit www.kent.edu/cats.