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KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 25, 2026

In May 2019, Tahir Upshaw walked across the stage at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Commencement to earn his degree in mechanical engineering, a culminating moment after years of personal sacrifices and perseverance.

Despite early setbacks in his academic career, Upshaw relished in earning his degree, in part, because of the community he built at Kennesaw State and through the mentorship of faculty in the (SPCEET). He has turned that experience into a fruitful career as an integration engineer and tech lead at Emory Healthcare, where he has contributed to innovative healthcare technology projects.

"My journey didn't go the way I planned it," Upshaw said. "But Kennesaw State taught me how to adapt, how to persevere, and how to keep moving forward when things don't go according to plan."

Upshaw's path to Kennesaw State was not the one he originally envisioned. After graduating high school, he applied to the former Southern Polytechnic State University and planned to study computer engineering, later transferring to the Georgia Institute of Technology. Just before SPSU consolidated with Kennesaw State, he decided to switch his major from computer engineering to mechanical engineering and return to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Marietta Campus.

Throughout his time at Kennesaw State, Upshaw balanced a demanding engineering curriculum while working at Delta Air Lines to help pay for school expenses. The experience taught him discipline, time management, and perseverance, qualities that would later prove invaluable throughout his career.
Determined to stay in school, Upshaw worked long hours, completed homework on MARTA rides between work and class, and often arrived on campus directly from shifts at Delta.

"It was a constant grind," said Upshaw, who navigated hardships and housing insecurity at the time. "People say college is supposed to be the most fun time of your life, but for me, it was immediately serious. My focus was on making sure I finished."

Faculty and staff frequently offered words of encouragement and reminded him how far he had already come. They took the time to understand his circumstances, discuss strategies for completing his degree, and connect him with resources that could help him move forward.

Despite the earlier hurdles, Upshaw later became active in conducting undergraduate research on gas turbine engine efficiency under the guidance of SPCEET Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies Adeel Khalid. The work earned recognition through ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s and was later assessed by organizations including NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and others around the world.

"I am so happy to hear of Tahir's successes," said Lori Lowder, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ associate vice provost and professor of mechanical engineering. "By seeking support, he allowed us to better understand his circumstances and provide guidance on strategies for success."

Today, Upshaw serves as a program manager at Emory Healthcare, where he has contributed to innovative healthcare technology projects, including the organization's Hospital of the Future initiative. The project helped transform how healthcare teams access critical patient information and deliver care. 
Looking back, Upshaw credits Kennesaw State with preparing him for challenges far beyond the classroom. He hopes his story encourages current students facing their own obstacles.

"So many students are carrying burdens that nobody sees," Upshaw said. "They're working jobs, helping their families, and trying to make it through school. I want them to know that setbacks are normal. The important thing is not giving up."

– Story by Raynard Churchwell
Photo provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 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 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.