As a child, James Coppinger enjoyed dismantling his toys. He wanted to figure out how the small gears or circuits inside worked, and then, he would try to put them back together.
In third grade, Coppinger built a computer with his father, and in junior high school, he began tinkering with small appliances on his own and assembling simple circuits.
Although he didn’t know it then, Coppinger’s curiosity and passion for science would lead him to Illinois State University where, in November, he became the first student to commit to the University’s new College of Engineering.
An Orland Park native who attends Carl Sandburg High School, Coppinger is among more than a thousand students who have applied to join the College of Engineering’s first class, which will begin classes in fall 2025.
“I want to take part in building something new from the ground up and be remembered for contributing to society.”
James Coppinger
Branden Delk, the college’s director of equity, diversity, inclusion, and student success, has spearheaded recruitment efforts. Delk said he’s eager to welcome Coppinger and his incoming classmates to campus this fall.
“I had the pleasure of meeting James and his father during one of our admitted student events, and the faculty and I were thrilled to learn more about his curiosity, ingenuity, and passion for building and problem solving,” Delk said. “These qualities embody the innovative spirit we’ve seen in many of the students applying to our program.
“It’s been a joy to see the growing interest in the College of Engineering, with applications reflecting both impressive academic achievements—an average GPA of 3.90—and a commitment to diversity, as nearly half of our applicants come from underrepresented populations in engineering,” Delk continued. “James and his future classmates represent the next generation of engineers who will excel academically and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.”
With only seven months to go before Coppinger begins working toward his bachelor’s in engineering degree, he shares the story of his journey to Illinois State and what he hopes to accomplish as the University’s first College of Engineering student.
What motivated you to pursue engineering?
James Coppinger: The thing that initially sparked my interest in electrical engineering, and electricity overall, was when I nearly got struck by lightning shortly before the start of sixth grade. I was scared, but it showed me the raw power of that primal force of nature. I did some short research about it in my free time, and I thought to myself, ‘This is open to everyone. This is something that the cool kids don’t really understand, but I might be able to understand,’ and overall, I believed that this was something that I could get recognized for.
Which field of engineering are you planning to study and why?
I plan to study the field of electrical engineering. In my mind, it’s the most interesting field that this college has to offer. Ultimately, I want to learn where we as humans stand in terms of technology and see what I could do to further expand our technological capabilities. Finally, I want to take part in building something new from the ground up and be remembered for contributing to society.
What led you to choose Illinois State University?
I wanted to have the opportunity to build something new from the ground up, and when I found out that ISU was opening an engineering program, I was really excited because this fit virtually every expectation for my college experience.
Do you have a career goal after graduation?
My current dream job is to work at a high-level nuclear research facility and explore and expand our understanding and manipulation capabilities on that scale of the universe.
How does it feel to be the first student to commit to Illinois State’s new College of Engineering?
Honestly, I feel surprised. I had no idea that I was the first student, and I consider it an honor to be the first pioneer for this new program of this great school.
What are you most looking forward to during your time here?
I’m very much looking forward to seeing how much I can grow and develop my engineering skills and my ability to perform as a student and as a person overall.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?
I run cross country and track as an after-school activity, and I’m also involved in the choir/music program for my school. Outside of school, I like to travel and explore society or nature. I also have a makeshift lab in a room in my basement where I dismantle old appliances and salvage components that I think would be useful and build simple circuits that I think do cool electrical things.
Have you already participated in any engineering-related projects or activities?
In the past several years, I have attended an engineering camp in Kentucky called Newton’s Attic, where kids and early teens get to take part in a series of different activities and programs under the supervision of people who are experienced in those areas. Also, as I mentioned earlier, I have a makeshift lab in my basement, where I tinker with electronics and make things that I find cool.
Illinois State University’s College of Engineering is accepting applications to join the inaugural class in fall 2025. Students can major in general engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering, with the first class scheduled to graduate in spring 2029.
