After traveling across the nation visiting 34 different states, Matt Dowling found himself back in Cherryvale, Kansas to be with his family. He did not know what to expect or in what direction his life would now go, but one thing was definite, he wanted to get back into school.

“I was looking to better myself,” says Dowling. “I have always enjoyed drawing on the computer and designing, so I figured the CAD program at Tri County Technology Center would be a perfect fit for me.”

Tri County Technology Center’s Computer Aided Drafting program prepares its students for an exciting career in drafting and design. The program begins with basic drawing theories, but then advances to techniques in CAD skills utilizing state-of -the-art computers and software programs.

This hands-on class allows students to excel and enjoy the challenge of problem solving while utilizing various levels of engineering CAD architecture, customizing CAD as well as special projects that the student and former instructor, Dan Cowart, agree upon.

As for Cowart, it did not take long for him to notice that Matt was an exceptional student. “I really enjoyed having Matt in class because he is self-motivated,” said Cowart.

“Matt was the type of student that only needed an instructor for guidance and material. He was able to pick up just about any CAD or Parametric software that he worked within a moment's notice.”

Dan Cowart believed so highly in his student, Matt Dowling, that he even allowed him to substitute teach his class for a short amount of time.

“The most outstanding thing about Matt is that he is a natural problem solver,” adds Cowart. “Given the opportunity, he can solve almost any problem put to him in the mechanical industry.”

The respect that Cowart has for Dowling is mirrored. “I still call Mr. Cowart to this day,” says Dowling. “He opened the door to so many opportunities for me, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it were not for him.”

While Dowling was a student at TCTC, he completed his on-the-job-training at EngATech in Tulsa. EngATech is known for its use of SolidWorks 3D Mechanical CAD software, which is something that truly interested Matt.

“The 3D aspect is what kept me in the program,” said Dowling. “I borrowed a SolidWorks disk from a friend and was just amazed at how you could design something so fast; it is what inspired me and what drew me to complete my OJT at EngATech.”

Following his time at EngATech, Matt worked hand-in-hand with the engineers at Emotek to help build and design the motors for soldier less robots for the army; an experience he found to be fascinating.

Presently, Matt works at the Tulsa-based company, Oseco. Oseco manufactures rupture disks, panels, and other pressure relief products in two climate-controlled, state-of-the-art facilities. More specifically, Matt's job entails designing pressure plates and 3D pictures for sanitary and oil fields.

While Matt is working, he is continuing his education as well at Tulsa Community College. At TCC, he has achieved a 4.0 GPA 98% of the time, and has been on the Dean's Honor Roll every semester.

Recently, he received a scholarship from TCC/OSU for Mechanical Engineering and Science. This scholarship enables Matt to a 12 hour tuition waiver which is something he is extremely grateful for.

“It was great honor to receive this scholarship and I am so thankful for all the success I have achieved ever since my time at Tri County,” says Dowling.

According to Dan Cowart, success will be in Matt's future for some time to come. “Matt looks forward to challenges with enthusiasm,” said Cowart. “He will always be moving ahead.”