COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (May 10, 2004) – When Nick Currier walks across the stage as a graduate of Van Buren High School this weekend, he will have done something no one else in his class has — he will already have completed his freshman year at Tennessee Tech University.

Currier has been attending TTU full-time this year and earning both high school and college credits after being enrolled in the university’s early admission program and receiving the University Service Scholarship based on his academic performance.

“He’s possibly the first student from Van Buren County to ever earn such a distinction here,” said Jim Gray, TTU’s assistant director of admissions. “He’s a very intelligent and personable young man whom we expect to be very successful here at TTU.”

A mechanical engineering major, Currier said he plans to pursue a doctorate after earning his bachelor’s degree and hopes to eventually work in some area of research.

At TTU, he is also involved with the Golden Eagle Sports Car Club.

He is the son of Frederick and Janice Currier of Spencer, and he has a younger brother, Ryan.

“It was a little bit of a challenge to make the adjustment from high school to university courses, but my first year at TTU has definitely been an overall positive experience,” Currier said. “I look forward to coming back next year.”

--Tracey LeFevre
This information posted 13 May 2004