By Matt Urban

Special to the Times

MONROE - Heading back to school for a Monroe man was more than just getting good grades; it was a path to a good job.

Tim Davis, a project manager with an area electronics manufacturer, was responsible for working with one of the company's teams to develop, design, and manufacture car and home audio products.

However in 2008, the economy shifted and as Davis said, "After 10 plus years with a company I enjoyed working for, at a job I enjoyed doing, I was unemployed."

A year later he was still searching for a new job. A friend in a similar situation told Davis about programs designed to help displaced workers. Davis discussed with his family the opportunity to go to Blackhawk Technical College and earn a degree.

Davis had tried college on two previous occasions and was initially concerned, but was determined to finish this time.

"When I returned to Blackhawk, I was scared to death about what to expect, and what would be expected of me," Davis.

Davis recalled the first day he attended class and was greeted by the instructor.

"I remember him saying that this was an accelerated class, which meant we would be doing a lot of work in a very short amount of time," Davis said. "However, every semester I met new people who helped me, many whom I now call friends."

His program at BTC offered a variety of classes. He said the counselors and staff were helpful with scheduling assistance and financial aid, but his best experiences resulted from the interaction with the instructors.

"Every teacher had practical experience and were able to relate it in their lessons," he said.

"Overall I cannot say enough about how the feeling of support from both staff and fellow students made the college experience one that I not only enjoyed, but will miss," Davis said. "The instructors got to know you and were supportive, often pushing you forward to achieve your goals."

"I was fortunate to have a wonderful support system at home that understood the commitment that was required to finish my education. My wife, Tammy, was my strongest advocate during my return to school," he added..

After graduating from BTC's management program in May, Davis is now employed with Kutter Harley-Davidson in Monroe as an Inventory, Shipping and Receiving associate. He also works closely with others on the Kutter staff to assist customers with parts and special orders.

"My employment with Kutter has been great," Davis. "Not only has my education been beneficial, but my boss knows the depth of what I learned because he is also a graduate of the same Blackhawk Tech program.

"The classes from Blackhawk in accounting, business, and communications were beneficial in preparing me for any number of everyday situations I encounter at Kutter," Davis said. "As the person responsible for maintaining inventory, tracking costs incurred with ordering, shipping, and receiving merchandise, I find myself constantly using the things I learned in my classes."

More information about BTC or to reconnect to the college as an alumnus, contact the BTC Monroe Campus at (608) 328-1660 or visit www.blackhawk.edu/ monroe.

- Matt Urban is Student Development Specialist at BTC's Monroe campus