Aggie’s Former Struggles Inspire His Desire to Give Back

Before he became the father, husband, and successful mechanical engineer he is today, Kenneth Fulk ’79 was an Aggie engineering student unsure if he could afford to make it to graduation. Fulk persevered through financial obstacles, and that same dedication and spirit now fuels his efforts to support the continued growth of the architectural engineering program at Texas A&M University.

Growing up, Fulk's parents made it clear they could not financially support him through college. At 11 years old, he started working different jobs to save up for his education. During his junior and senior years of high school, he worked full-time to save as much as he could before enrolling in college. Things took a difficult turn when his father lost his job during Fulk’s junior year of high school. For the remainder of high school, Fulk dedicated all of his savings toward keeping his family afloat. Once he got to Texas A&M, he continued working part-time to support himself through school.

“At the end of my fall semester sophomore year, I was completely out of money and even paid only for the five-day meal plan because I could not afford the seven-day meal plan I had. I laid on my bed in the dorm, cried, and prayed to God for help, expecting not to come back to school the next semester,” Fulk said. “Miraculously, I was called over the Christmas break to be told I was selected for the U.S. Air Force Scholarship. I was also fortunate to find a good job to work over the Christmas holiday at the last minute. That was the most significant event I experienced in college because it was so pivotal at that time.”

As a mechanical engineer in the building industry, Fulk has designed heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems as well as plumbing and fire protection systems. Fulk said he was fortunate to receive training at the Air Force Institute of Technology, which helped him excel further. He became active in The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Through ASHRAE, Fulk met several fellow Aggies, including former ASHRAE president, Damon Gowen ’58, who became a mentor to Fulk.

“Damon approached me in 2010 and suggested that due to the workforce shortage for this industry, A&M needed to start a new architectural engineering program to divert general engineering majors into our industry,” Fulk said. “I completely agreed with him and became involved in an ad-hoc committee dedicated to getting this program started.”

Fulk mentioned mechanical engineering professor David Claridge, Ph.D., as the primary faculty member who helped in developing the program.

“He has been the glue that held this all together from concept to reality,” Fulk said.

After almost a decade of effort, the program is now in operation. Unfortunately, Damon passed away before the program had come to fruition. His efforts continue to positively impact the College of Engineering alongside Fulk and the many other engineers who contribute to the betterment of the program.

“We are very fortunate that this program has grown significantly over a very short period of time,” Fulk said. “Based on undergraduate numbers, the program is currently one of the largest programs in the country.”

Fulk embodies the Aggie Spirit. He persevered through financial struggle to graduate and is now dedicated to helping other Aggies in their education.

“I was blessed to overcome many obstacles early in my life through perseverance,” Fulk said. “Becoming a Christian, working hard, being exposed to educational people skills, experiences at Texas A&M, and learning to adapt my personal leadership styles to fit the situation have all combined to help me be very successful at the things I chose to participate in. Meeting and marrying my wife Susan helped me become a better man and person. Having great kids just made life that much better.”