B.S. in Mining Engineering, 1992
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, 1984
B.S. in Computer Science, 1986
In his long career, Steve Polston has served as plant manager, senior vice president, chief operating officer, president and CEO for various nuclear energy and engineering companies. For nearly the last decade, however, he has put all of his leadership ability toward battling homelessness. Polston earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1970 from the University of Kentucky.
If Karen Maxwell’s Delta Zeta sorority sisters couldn’t find her, they intuitively knew where to look: in the University of Kentucky’s computing center at McVey Hall. For her first three years of college, she completed her computer science projects using punch cards and spent many hours in the computer center. She later earned her Bachelor of Science degree in computer science in 1985.
Mary Beth Hudson is vice president of the Polysilicon Division and site manager for Wacker in Charleston, Tennessee. A proven leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, Hudson is responsible for all aspects of manufacturing, supply chain, business operations, sales and profitability of the Polysilicon Division throughout the North and Central American region. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering in 1989 from the University of Kentucky.
With over 28 years of experience in major bridge construction, repair and painting, David Houchin has held executive management positions, board membership and major ownership in over a dozen companies. He is an outstanding example of how engineering principles and business acumen can lead to a successful career. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1970 from the University of Kentucky.
For over 50 years, Skip Berry has poured his skill, talent and heart into the mission of Wehr Constructors, Inc., located in Louisville, Kentucky. For over 20 years, he served as president and chairman of the board. Today, he remains chairman of the Wehr Advisory Board of Directors. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1973 from the University of Kentucky.
As chief operating officer of LG&E and KU, Lonnie Bellar is responsible for ensuring the company provides safe, affordable and reliable natural gas, electricity and customer service to 1.3 million customers in Kentucky and Virginia. Bellar became COO in March 2018 after climbing through the ranks of the electric and natural gas utility industry for more than 30 years.
When David Shippy graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, he followed in the footsteps of his father and UK College of Engineering faculty member Dr. David Shippy. While at UK, the younger Shippy held membership in Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering honor society, and frequently made the Dean’s list. Shippy says his engineering education at UK laid a strong foundation in engineering for his master’s program at Syracuse University and, later, a 30- year career as a computer engineer.
