KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 16, 2019

Engineering student finds perfect fit

Colin Lucas, a mechanical engineering student, said he found the perfect job his first year at Kennesaw State for someone like him – someone who likes to talk a lot. Lucas was hired by KSU’s Office of Admissions two years ago as a KSU tour guide.
 
In this role, Lucas gives 90-minute campus tours to prospective students and their parents at KSU’s Marietta Campus. The native Canadian is one of 18 tour guides – all KSU students – employed by Kennesaw State’s Office of Admissions. Each day, KSU tour guides give morning and afternoon tours on each campus to those considering Kennesaw State for college.
 
During the informational tour that strides through the University’s buildings and laboratories, Lucas shares his love for the campus and the people. He points out some of the special details that make the Marietta Campus unique and gives an insider’s perspective on what it means to be a student at Kennesaw State.
 
With one of the most coveted student jobs on campus, Lucas, of Johns Creek, has risen through the ranks to become a tour guide captain.
 
What have you learned about KSU through your experience as a tour guide?
Honestly, I cannot even explain how much I have learned about Kennesaw State since I started as a tour guide. I have learned things that have helped me out personally, and my friends always come to me with any questions they have about the school.
 
How does being a tour guide make you feel more connected to KSU?
I get to promote and show off the cool labs and resources at the university. This job also has given me the opportunity to do cool things like use the Motion Capture lab in the Atrium Building and try out the flight simulator from the Aerospace lab.
 
What are your favorite questions to answer as a tour guide?
I love when someone is super excited about what they are asking and want to learn more. One of my favorite questions that I love answering is, “Is the food really as good as people say it is?” because then I get to brag on how awesome our dining hall is!
 
Are there facts about the campus that you share on tours that others find interesting?
I always love making the connection between the two campuses. Many do not actually know, but the original Kennesaw Junior College actually started on what is now the Marietta Campus. Kennesaw Junior College eventually grew to become Kennesaw State University and moved to the current location of the Kennesaw Campus.
 
What was your most memorable moment during a tour?
I have honestly had a lot of memorable tours over the past few years, from connecting with great families and getting to show off our amazing school and campus. But I think my favorite was when I gave President Whitten a tour of the Marietta Campus. I had the opportunity to give her a tour both before she officially started as Kennesaw’s new president and on her first day. I thought it was nice that she was not only interested in the tour of the campus but that she took the time to ask me questions and to hear about my goals. At one point, as we were walking up to the Engineering Technology Center, we got on the subject of the Braves and baseball. We got into such a good conversation about sports that we walked past the doors and the photographer had to remind us that we were supposed to go into the building.
 
What has been your all-time favorite moment as a KSU student?
My favorite moment as a KSU student was the victory that we had against Jacksonville State in Suntrust Park’s first-ever football game. It was during the 2018 season and it went to five overtimes. I was on the 50-yard line behind our home bench and sitting next to a Jacksonville State alumnus so we were having fun messing with each other the whole game. Then when we scored the final touchdown to win, everyone but him erupted in cheers. I will honestly never forget that game.
 
Favorite spots? 
On campus – Engineering Technology Center because its where all my engineering classes are and it’s such a pretty building. Also, the disc golf course because my friends and I play that course all the time. It’s a great way to hang out and be outside.

Go-to study spot – My major one is obviously the study rooms in the library. I put myself in one of those and study for hours. But sometimes I will change it up and study in Stingers because there you can study and eat as much as you want so it’s a win-win for both my brain and stomach.

What’s the best advice you have for prospective students? Parents?
I try to give advice anywhere I can while I am on a tour or at work, but my all-time favorite advice I always tell students is that the time flies while at college and sometimes you just need to take a step back and enjoy it before you blink and it’s over. For the parents that come on tours and ask for advice, I tell them, “It’s going to be okay, and your kid will love it here and learn lots, and now it’s time for you to make that man-cave or spa room you have always dreamed of in your new empty room!”

Photography by David Caselli

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.