Civil Engineering Major Secures Job Before Fall Commencement

Alabama A&M University civil engineering major Anthony Coleman is among the graduating seniors who secured full-time employment well before crossing the stage at AAMU’s Fall 2025 Commencement on Dec. 12.

In September, the Prattville, Alabama, native accepted a project manager position with Vulcan Materials at the company’s Glencoe office, just a two-hour drive from his hometown. Like several of his classmates, the job followed a successful summer 2025 experience as a transportation construction intern with the company.

“This opportunity came through my internship where my performance and dedication led to a full-time offer,” said Coleman. “What I’m most excited about in this role is the opportunity to apply my previous years of internship experience, along with the valuable skills I’ve gained on The Hill, especially in communication, time management, and people management, in a professional environment.”

A first-generation college student, Coleman said he chose Alabama A&M because of how the campus made him feel during his initial visit.

“Honestly, I didn’t know much about college or how to choose the right school, but AAMU welcomed me and made me feel at home,” he said. “It provided a supportive environment that guided me, cared for me, and allowed me to grow into my own person while leaving my mark on this campus.”

During his time at AAMU, Coleman immersed himself in academics, internships and student life. He served as a construction intern with the Michigan Department of Transportation and worked as a design intern with General Motors Company. He’s also a member of Eta Kappa Tau Engineering and Technology Fraternity, Inc., and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

“My time on The Hill was transformative,” Coleman said. “I grew as a person, a student, and a professional, surrounded by a community that pushed me to reach higher. The best part was being part of a community that truly feels like family. The brotherhood, the friendships, and the culture at AAMU are unmatched.”

Coleman credits several faculty mentors with shaping his academic development.

“I want to highlight three professors who truly made an impact on me,” he said. “Dr. Sudip Bhattacharjee who made sure I mastered key engineering concepts beyond what was needed to pass a class; Dr. Mohamed Ashour, who challenged me academically and helped me think like a real-world engineer; and Dr. Pooja Preetha, who taught me how to operate professionally in the engineering field rather than just as a student.”

He also offered thanks to Alabama A&M’s Career Development Services. “The staff there supported me throughout my time at AAMU and backed my efforts to help make the campus a better place,” he said. “Their encouragement and willingness to assist students makes a real difference.”

Coleman is eager to contribute to meaningful projects at Vulcan Materials as he advances in his profession. “I am looking forward to applying everything I learned at AAMU to real world engineering projects, growing my technical skills, and contributing to infrastructure work that makes a lasting impact. My ultimate goal is to become a licensed professional engineer, manage major infrastructure projects, and eventually move into project management or executive leadership.”

As he prepares to leave AAMU and begin his career, Coleman reflects on the people and experiences that shaped him.

“I am grateful for everything AAMU has poured into me. The Hill shaped me into who I am today, and will always with me. Also, I would like to give special recognition to my family and friends, especially my mother, who supported me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Without them, I would not be here.”