Tishira Atkins embraces leadership lessons and lands position with global tech company.
Tishira Atkins is the ultimate team leader. The Tupelo native learned this skill in the Mississippi National Guard and used it throughout her time as a student at the University of Mississippi.
Atkins, who graduates in May with a degree in general engineering, joined the military during high school in 2017 and remains active. She became an air traffic controller and credits the experience with giving her important life lessons that helped her get through college.
“My mom wanted me to have the best, and we had an honest conversation about how I could pursue a degree,” Atkins said. “Enlisting was the smart decision. I flew to South Carolina by myself and went through nine months of training by myself. I learned to rely on myself.
“When I enrolled at the university, I dealt with obstacles at school and work. My time in the military helped me deal with conflict and it strengthened my mental space as well.”
Atkins was initially drawn to the university after attending the Mississippi Outreach to Scholastic Talent, or MOST, summer program following her junior year of high school. She said the program helped her appreciate the best aspects of the school.
After serving in the guard for two years, she enrolled at Ole Miss in 2019. She was awarded a Luckday Scholarship, which solidified her decision to attend.
A self-described “math fanatic,” Atkins selected engineering as her major.
“For some reason, math just clicks – I have a photographic memory when it comes to numbers,” she said. “I thought, ‘Why not choose a degree that allows me to explore math?’ I was also drawn to engineering because of the job options.”
Atkins’ first engineering class during her freshman year eased any doubts that she had about the major. “Something clicked” and she realized that she could handle the program.
Tyrus McCarty, associate professor of mechanical and general engineering, taught Atkins in his engineering systems analysis and design course. He said she is a conscientious student who has expertly balanced her responsibilities in the guard and in the classroom.
“Tish is a very dedicated, outstanding student,” McCarty said. “Not only is she an excellent student, but she is also a student who really wants to learn the material. She asks all the right questions. She’s going to do well.”
Atkins went on to land an internship with global technology company ABB. She worked for its robotics division in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and assisted with inventory management and procurement.
Outside of class, Atkins is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. As a vice president and programming chair, she plans all the local chapter’s events.
Erica Avent, program coordinator for the Luckyday Residential College, is an adviser for the sorority. She said she is one of Atkins’ biggest advocates.
“Tishira is a natural-born leader but has no issue falling back and being a helper bee as well,” Avent said. “She is a great team leader and team motivator. She is going to make sure that everyone is going to make it to the end.”
Atkins realized this herself while she was in the guard.
“I was always a leader, but I didn’t know it yet,” said Atkins, who received an Army Achievement Medal in 2018.
“I’m a quiet person, but I had the qualities, so my drill sergeant chose me to lead our platoon of 60 soldiers.”
Her leadership skills were tested when the platoon had to go on a march that was 30-40 miles on foot. The multi-day trek required soldiers to carry rucks, or weighted packs, on their backs during the day and sleep outside at night.
“It gave us a real-world scenario to prepare us for the possibility of going overseas on deployment,” Atkins said.
“Me being the leader, I didn’t get the experience of just doing it – I had to make sure that all 59 of the other soldiers had what they needed. It helped me learn how to manage different things going on at once, like I do now in engineering.”
“She is one of the most driven and determined young ladies that I have ever encountered. If Tishira wants it, she is going to get it.”
— Erica Avent, program coordinator for the Luckyday Residential College
Atkins received a Dean’s Excellence Award from the School of Engineering. She is also a member of Gamma Beta Phi honors society and involved in the Ole Miss Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education, or IMAGE, program.
It may come as a surprise to some that Atkins is a videographer in her spare time. She creates videos for her YouTube channel that discuss basic training, highlight sorority activities and give an “inside scoop” into life as an engineering student.
“I do love numbers, but I have a creative knack as well,” she said. “I like to film, produce, write and direct as well.”
Post-graduation, Atkins is slated to begin her career at ABB. She has been hired for a rotation program that will allow her to experience a variety of roles within the company.
“I’ll get to test out my options and see the world,” she said. “For the first rotation, I’ll be moving to Houston to go into product management. I’m really excited.”
Atkins encourages future generations of students to take risks and try new things.
“Make the experience your own,” she said. “Test the waters. You’ll miss your blessing if you don’t test the waters yourself.”
Avent has “no doubt” that Atkins will accomplish anything she sets her mind to as she moves on from Ole Miss.
“She is one of the most driven and determined young ladies that I have ever encountered,” Avent said. “If Tishira wants it, she is going to get it. She is also just a wonderful person – you know that when you are talking to her, she is focused on you. She gives her all to whoever is sitting in front of her.
“She has a beautiful spirit, and I hope that the world embraces the great person that she is.”
By Erin Garrett, University Marketing & Communications
