Tyler Liggins is a project engineer at Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Tennessee. Submitted photo
As a teenager, Tyler Liggins (BSME 16) worked on Toyota models and other cars every weekend at the Ultimate Auto Center in Oxford. Today, the University of Mississippi alumnus is a lead transaxle project engineer at Toyota’s Tennessee manufacturing plant.
“Working at Toyota has provided me with a lot of new skills and the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest and most diverse team members,” said the Oxford native, who earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2016. “My responsibilities at Toyota are to keep die and equipment procurement on schedule.”
Following graduation from Ole Miss, Liggins began working at Blue Bird All American (a manufacturer of school buses) as a powertrain design engineer. His duties included assisting in production and improving the installation process.
“I assisted with the first launch of the first hybrid, electric school bus,” he said. “The electric bus produces zero emissions, which means cleaner air for our children. Less parts means less maintenance, since there is no need for engine oil changes and no transmission or engine to maintain. The electric bus also offers lower cost of maintenance than a traditional, combustion-fueled bus.”
Liggins (right) and a co-worker at Toyota. Submitted photo
Liggins began working for Toyota Motor North America in Tennessee in October 2019. His role as a lead project engineer of a new product launch soon captured the attention of his employer.
“Tyler has done a great job asking questions, following team members and following up on items that he has been assigned,” said Chris Roach, DAT (design assurance testing) special group projects leader. “He always has a wonderful personality, and when schedules get adjusted and deadlines get moved up, he always has a great attitude and helps with meeting the targets laid before the team. His desire to meet these targets (is) a true sign that he has a great desire to meet the productivity that is given to him to help the team.”
Liggins is quick to acknowledge the importance of his Ole Miss engineering education in his career success.
“Many students lack social support, but the presence of caring professors – specifically in the mechanical engineering department – was everything I needed,” Liggins said. “Having professors who demonstrated genuine concern for my advancement was a potent ingredient in my personal and academic growth. Obtaining a degree from the University of Mississippi provided me to know my worth and be an asset to any company that would employ me.”
Liggins is a model example of Ole Miss Engineering, said Marni Kendricks, assistant dean for undergraduate academics.
“I watched Tyler grow from a struggling freshman to a successful graduate,” she said. “I’m very proud of him.”
Liggins enjoys spending weekends traveling with his dogs, working on his aquarium and spending time with his family.