Doubleday Retires as EPD Instructor After More Than 15 Years

What is your name and role at Blackhawk Technical College? How long have you worked here?

Mike Doubleday, Electric Power Distribution Instructor. I started at Blackhawk in 2008.

What was your journey to this role? Where did you go to school? What did you study?

I went into farming after graduating from high school and farmed for about six years before deciding to get out of it for financial reasons. I was a neighbor of the previous EPD instructor, and he talked me into coming to Blackhawk Tech for EPD. I graduated from Blackhawk in 1992 and went to work for the City Of Evansville Water and Light as an apprentice lineman. I worked for Evansville for about 20 years, came to work at Blackhawk in 2008, and served as a cohort EPD instructor for four years. When the lead instructor retired in 2014, I was hired back as the full-time EPD instructor.

Is there something that drew you to this career?

I wanted to pass along the knowledge I had gained to the next generation of linemen.

What have you liked most about working at Blackhawk?

I would say that it’s working with the students. It’s very rewarding when a student goes through the program and gets the job they have been looking for.

What would you consider the biggest change in your field during your time at Blackhawk?

The change in technology. We still set poles and string wire, but the equipment we use is better. Also, how utilities manage power outages has definitely changed. Outage times are shorter and fewer customers are usually affected.

What advice would you give somebody who’s just starting out at Blackhawk?

Put the students first. They are the reason we are here. Secondly, take all the training on the systems we use. Such as Blackboard, WIDS, etc. The more familiar you are with them, the more data they will provide.

What are you most proud of being a part of in your time at Blackhawk?

Seeing the EPD program adapt to the industry demands and push the students to go further. Maintaining quality and knowledge in the EPD program.

What will you miss most about Blackhawk?

Working with the students.

Do you have any plans for retirement?

Not really, no big plans for travel.

What is your life like outside of work? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?

My wife Kathy retired about eight years ago, I have two grown children and two grandkids. I’m involved in antique tractor pulling and working in my shop.

Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.

I had a kidney/pancreas transplant 20 years ago.

If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?

My Dad.

Who is your biggest influence?

My parents.

What was your first job?

Grew up on a farm. There were a lot of jobs. So, probably taking care of animals when I was 4-5.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Matrix”

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Pepperoni and mushrooms

If you could be a pro athlete in any sport, which sport would it be?

Baseball

If you could have any superpower, which one would you pick?

Being able to fly

If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?

Elephant. Long life and a better memory than I have.

What would be your dream car to own?

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To visit Scandinavia

What game show would you most want to participate in? Do you think you could win?

“Jeopardy,” though I don’t think I could win.

If aliens landed on earth, who would you suggest they talk to?

Not anybody in government. Probably the trash collector.