College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

From left: Caleb Pierce, Tobias Proulx, Jake Pendergraft and Brok Estes earned scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year from Tennessee Valley SFPE. 

 

Four Oklahoma State University Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology students have been awarded a combined $35,000 in scholarships from the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers for the 2025-26 academic year. 

 

The TVSFPE scholarship fund supports students pursuing careers in fire protection by alleviating financial barriers and encouraging leadership in the profession. This year’s OSU recipients are Tobias Proulx, Jake Pendergraft, Caleb Pierce and Brok Estes, each recognized for their academic dedication, career aspirations and service to the fire protection community. Their scholarships represent multiple TVSFPE awards, including the Tom Christman Honorary Scholarship and the Shay Massey Scholarship. 

 

Proulx, entering his junior year in FPSET, said his award is life-changing. 

“This scholarship holds profound meaning for me, as it has made it financially possible for me to attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a truly unique and specialized degree,” Proulx said. "Without the Tom Christman Honorary Scholarship from TVSFPE, I would have faced a serious challenge piecing together enough funds to cover tuition. On top of that, I would have been burdened with the constant pressure of working extra hours during the semester just to stay ahead of everyday expenses: rent, car insurance, gas, phone bills and groceries. 

 

“Instead, this scholarship has lifted that weight, giving me the freedom to fully invest my time and energy back into the fire protection industry. I am now able to serve as Vice President of OSU’s chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, where I work to connect students with industry professionals and advance our field on campus. In addition, I have the privilege of serving as a teaching assistant for Dr. Leslie Stockel, allowing me to give back by helping others succeed in the very program that has inspired me. 

 

“I am deeply grateful to TVSFPE for this opportunity—not only for the financial support but for the trust and belief it represents. Your (TVSFPE) investment has fueled my passion to protect lives, strengthen safety practices, and contribute to a field that safeguards communities every day. My commitment to the fire protection industry is not just for the years I spend in school, but for the entirety of my career. This scholarship has given me the chance to stand on solid ground, look toward the future with confidence, and dedicate my efforts to making that future safer for everyone.” 

 

Pendergraft, a senior in mechanical engineering with a concentration in fire protection systems, echoed the importance of support. 

 
“This scholarship means a lot to me,” Pendergraft said. “It takes off a financial burden that I have had the past couple years, allowing me to focus more on my studies and give back to my family who have given a lot for me to be here.” 

 

Pierce, a senior in FPSET preparing to graduate in December, shared how the Shay Massey Scholarship has helped him launch his career. 

 
“The Shay Massey Scholarship from TVSFPE means a lot to me and helps secure my future as a fire protection engineer,” Pierce said. “I have accepted a full-time position with Jensen Hughes as an associate fire protection engineer upon graduation. I plan to pursue a master's degree in fire protection engineering and my professional engineering license. This scholarship has helped me graduate completely debt-free!” 

 

Estes, a senior set to graduate in spring 2026, emphasized how the award deepens his commitment to the profession. 

 
“This scholarship means a tremendous amount to me as I continuously search for financial aid,” Estes said. “The scholarship coming from an SFPE chapter makes it even more sincere as I plan to go into the industry of fire protection engineering post-graduation. With this, I plan to be highly involved within the SFPE organization as they have supported me on numerous occasions throughout my college career.” 

 

Dr. Virginia Charter, associate professor of fire protection and safety engineering technology, noted that SFPE, both the local chapters and larger organization, have been long-time supporters of OSU FPSET students and the profession.  

 

“Many of our alumni are a part of this organization and they reach out to OSU when there are scholarships and grants available to our students,” Charter said. “SFPE chapters independently review applications, and our students compete against others from across the U.S. and the world. Having our students win external scholarships, like these from the Tennessee Valley SFPE chapter, is a testament to the caliber of our students and graduates from our programs.” 

 

Dr. Heather Yates, head of the School of Fire, Construction and Emergency Management, added, “We are proud of the success of the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology students. It is a testament to the great program that the faculty have built and maintained.” 

 

OSU’s FPSET program, established in 1937, is the oldest fire/safety-related program in North America and remains a global leader in preparing students for careers in fire protection, safety, industrial hygiene and the fire service. Alumni are employed worldwide in consulting, academia, government, healthcare and industry, continuing the program’s legacy of advancing fire protection and safety.