Douglas Broadwell has returned to Florida College as a professor of mechanical engineering while the college prepares to graduate its first engineering class in May 2027. Broadwell brings classroom experience, advanced training from Georgia Tech and 12 years of defense-related engineering work at nou Systems in Huntsville, Alabama.
Florida College began offering engineering courses two years before the Sept. 21, 2026, announcement. Broadwell teaches Introduction to Engineering, Dynamics, Thermodynamics and Mechanical Controls as he helps develop the growing program.
From Florida College student to professor
Broadwell attended Florida College from 2007 to 2009 and earned an associate degree with an emphasis in math and physics. He later transferred to Georgia Tech, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering.
Several Florida College professors and advisers, including Howard Calvin, Carl Main and Steve Walker, helped guide Broadwell during his time as a student. Calvin was particularly influential, sharing industry experience, bringing guest speakers to campus and offering practical advice about engineering careers and education.
Broadwell continued to seek Calvin’s advice after graduating, including before deciding to return to Florida College. Calvin remains a trusted adviser to Broadwell.
Industry experience in the classroom
After graduating from Georgia Tech, Broadwell joined nou Systems in Huntsville. He spent 12 years supporting defense-related work, primarily for the Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Army.
His engineering work included analyzing test data, developing algorithms and testing GPS-related equipment. Broadwell also mentored interns and helped establish a new laboratory capability for specialized testing during his final year with nou Systems.
Dr. Weaver approached Broadwell about joining Florida College’s growing engineering program. The opportunity appealed to Broadwell because it brought together engineering, teaching and mentoring young people.
“It represented three passions that I have. I enjoy engineering, I enjoy teaching, and I enjoy mentoring young people,” Broadwell said. “It seemed like a great opportunity to do all three, wrapped into one package.”
Building industry connections
Broadwell hopes Florida College will build relationships with industry partners that create internship and hands-on learning opportunities for students. He also wants the college to collaborate with companies on projects such as senior capstones.
Those relationships could help students gain practical experience while allowing faculty to remain connected to the tools, processes and technologies shaping the engineering profession.
“I think a lot about the increasing pace of technology and the engineering behind it,” Broadwell said. “Giving students an education and practical, hands-on experience that keeps pace with that technological innovation is something I’d love to see us strive for. A big way we can do that is by staying connected with industry partners.”
A biblical worldview
Broadwell also wants students to consider engineering through a biblical worldview. He views the discipline as an opportunity to understand scientific and mathematical principles, solve meaningful problems and use God-given abilities for good.
“There’s something fun about unlocking the scientific and mathematical principles that God built into the world and figuring out how we can use them for good,” Broadwell said.
FSB Take
Broadwell’s return gives Florida College’s developing mechanical engineering program a professor with direct experience as a Florida College student, a Georgia Tech graduate and an industry engineer. His appointment comes as the program moves toward graduating its first class in May 2027.
His stated focus on industry partnerships, internships, hands-on learning and senior capstone projects provides a clear direction for the program’s next stage. Broadwell’s teaching responsibilities and professional background also connect Florida College’s classroom work with the engineering experience he gained at nou Systems.
Source: Original report