With a strong family history of service -- his father served in the U.S. Navy, his brothers have served or are serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, while an uncle also served in the Marines -- Dobbins didn’t hesitate to join the Marines.

As the Seymour, Ind., native looks toward graduation in the spring, he reflected on how his experience in the military led him to this major accomplishment.

Dobbins had always dreamed of becoming a pilot or working on aircraft, so he formulated an idea on how to accomplish that dream.

He received a perfect score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, which qualified him to select the military career path of his choice. He chose avionics, or aircraft electronics.

“I remember feeling that this decision would lead to an exciting and lucrative career, a career that would continuously provide successes in civilian life,” he said.

He spent three years at Purdue University studying aeronautical engineering before deciding to transfer to the mechanical engineering program at IUPUC. The transition was easy, he said, since the mechanical engineering program at IUPUC was a perfect fit for his educational aspirations and learning style.  

But he also found IUPUC's campus life was a perfect fit. Dobbins was crowned homecoming king in 2015, serves as Student Government Association secretary, and is a driving force behind the organization of a spring 5K to raise money for student clubs and organizations.

In January, he was recognized with a student service award acknowledging his volunteer work with third- and fifth-grade students at Columbus Signature Academy Lincoln. Dobbins, in partnership with IUPUC assistant professor of mechanical engineering Tom Lawrence, has made regular trips for multiple years to the local elementary school to give lectures on mechanical engineering principles and conduct hands-on experiments with the students.

Dobbins will be part of IUPUC's third class of mechanical engineering students. Reflecting on his studies and career preparation, he said, “The connections with local industry here at IUPUC have enabled me to find two internships and a part-time engineering position in the last two years.

“This has been a great help to me as I finish up my degree, helping me to see what I will be doing once I graduate and giving me opportunities to use the skills I learned during my time in the corps.”

Dobbins' work aligns with several priorities in the university's Bicentennial Strategic Plan, including a commitment to student success.