In 2023 when Ben Crutchfield (class of 2026) co-established the University of Nevada, Reno chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, it marked a significant milestone in his journey toward his lifelong goal of becoming an engineer. Fast forward to today, Crutchfield is in his final semester of his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and will graduate in the spring Class of 2026, a monumental achievement not only for himself as a first-generation college student, but laying the groundwork for others in his family.

“I always had an interest in engineering without realizing I did. I would rebuild and take apart things before I was even in kindergarten. It was around 8 years old when my aunt told me about engineers and that’s when I figured out I wanted to become one,” said Crutchfield. “I searched and tried figuring out what it takes to become an engineer, and I started looking up college scholarships in elementary. During middle school, I was told about magnet schools, and later I applied and was accepted into Northwest Career and Technical Academy, and that's where I started my engineering career.”

As Crutchfield began pursuing higher education, he was researching and weighing his options to obtain his bachelor’s degree. He would eventually participate in the Nevada Scholars of Tomorrow and took a trip from his hometown of Las Vegas to the University of Nevada, Reno. During his visit, he was soon immersed in the college experience and saw what a Nevada education could offer. From meeting new prospective students and being introduced to the TRIO Scholars program, he had his eyes set on pursuing his college degree at Nevada. But it wasn’t always easy to picture himself as a college student.

“Because I was a first-generation college student, I knew I had to make this work not just for my life to change, but because I wanted things around me to change,” Crutchfield recalled. “I was determined to establish clubs like the Nevada chapter of NSBE and join other organizations around campus to help others grow and provide a support system I wish I had when I was young. I felt that giving back and helping others gave me motivation and the drive to excel in my studies and satisfaction knowing I was supporting people in similar circumstances.”

By committing to his pursuit of higher education, Crutchfield has paved the way for others within his family to follow his footsteps by showcasing the value of obtaining a Nevada education and the power it has to change lives. Crutchfield said that his brother now attends the University and he is now part of the very communities and organizations that he and his peers have helped build up.

Crutchfield is currently pursuing a career in mechanical engineering with a focus on renewable energy. However, when he is not busy mentoring students or managing an engineering project through an internship, he applies his engineering chops toward his other passion: music. Crutchfield is an audiophile and enjoys rebuilding audio equipment and boasts a large, eclectic record collection ranging from Prince to Yes.

In addition to his engineering career and his passion for music, he has ambitions to create other organizations or community centers to continue uplifting and supporting underserved communities after graduation. His motivations stem from his upbringing and the challenges he faced in his youth. He aims to apply his knowledge and resources to provide sponsorships for young students and prospective engineers who want to obtain a college degree and change the trajectory of their lives for the better through higher education.