When Jacob Reed commits to something, he’s all in.
“I like to do it well, and I don’t do halfway,” he says.
That drive enabled the civil engineering senior to excel in the classroom and on the wrestling mat at ɫTV University. It also helped him secure a post-graduation job as a transmission line engineer at Kiewit, one of North America’s top construction and engineering firms, where he interned for two summers.
A native of Canal-Winchester, Ohio, Jacob is three-time All-American wrestler who finished his collegiate career with an impressive 148-10 record, breaking ONU’s school record for career-winning percentages.
He started wrestling at age 7, and by middle school, he knew he’d found a sport where he could succeed with strategy.
“I approach it like a big puzzle. Everyone wrestles a bit differently. My style looks a bit more awkward and less athletic than most, but I found what works for me,” he said.
Outside of athletics, Jacob earned admittance in Tau Beta Pi engineering honorary society for his academic excellence.
He has fond memories of late-night study sessions with his fellow civil engineers, and is especially proud of the semester he walked into finals week with all “Bs” but ended the semester with straight “As” due to his sheer determination and effort.
Jacob’s lifelong fascination with bridges—especially the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston, S.C.—sparked his interest in civil engineering. “I like the idea of building things that people rely on,” he says.
From mastering structural analysis to learning how to cook, clean, and do his own laundry, Jacob feels fully prepared for the road ahead.
“I know I’ve matured a lot at ONU,” he said. “That’s one of the unsung benefits of college. Instead of being thrown straight into adulthood, you get to slowly learn how take on more responsibilities.”
Great job Jacob, Class of 2025! Wishing you the best!
