David L. Archer President | Christian Brothers University website

For nearly four decades, Professor Gene McGinnis has been a key figure in the School of Engineering at Christian Brothers University (CBU). Over his 36 and a half years at the institution, he has witnessed and adapted to significant changes in engineering education and technology.

McGinnis’s impact on students is evident through their achievements after graduation. Many have gone on to lead companies, earn advanced degrees, and serve at universities. Among them is Dr. Andrew Assadollahi, now dean of CBU’s Gadomski School of Engineering. “Professor McGinnis was my first civil engineering professor at CBU when I was 18 years old,” said Dr. Assadollahi. “He has been a mentor and colleague to me, especially since I joined the faculty at CBU, and I am proud to call him a dear friend.”

A Memphis native and graduate of Christian Brothers High School in 1974, McGinnis initially planned for a career in consulting after earning his bachelor’s degree and completing postgraduate studies. He worked for three consulting firms before discovering his passion for teaching while serving as a graduate assistant during his master’s program.

“I was bitten by the teaching bug,” said McGinnis, whose wife Tricia also works as an elementary school teacher.

After five years in a tenure-track position elsewhere, McGinnis joined Christian Brothers College—soon to become Christian Brothers University—in 1988. At that time, engineering relied more on manual drafting tools than computers or digital devices. Reflecting on these changes, he noted: “I go back to the time before we had computers... The only computers available were basically mainframes and they were not user friendly.”

He described how technological advances have transformed engineering instruction: “When I first came to CBU, I was teaching a surveying class using 1-minute transits and steel tapes. Now, there are total stations with electronic measurement devices, Global Positioning Systems [GPS] units, 3D design software, Geographic Information Systems [GIS], and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles [UAVs]. Engineering is always changing... Technology is always rapidly changing.”

During his tenure—including over 15 years as department chair—McGinnis experienced shifts in curriculum trends from core classes toward greater specialization among students.

A personal highlight for McGinnis was teaching his own children at CBU. “All three boys—Patrick (‘15) Trey (‘17), and Brian (‘18)—graduated from CBU,” he said. Collectively they earned seven degrees; all received bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer science. His son Trey also earned a math degree and became a Lasallian Fellow before going on to teach at Tech 901.

The brothers each took one class taught by their father during college—a continuation of family tradition since their mother also taught them earlier in school.

Looking back on memorable moments at CBU, McGinnis recalled two graduations: one where every civil engineering graduate shook his hand individually last year; another when Trey graduated and celebrated with him while both wore their regalia. “I’m not only a faculty member but also a very proud parent,” said McGinnis.

Throughout his career, McGinnis has received several honors recognizing his contributions as an educator. Most recently he was awarded the 2025 Nicole Craven Distinguished Service Award from the American Society of Engineers (ASCE) West Tennessee Branch.

His office remains located within the Gadomski School of Engineering at CBU.