Haileigh Grubbs
Graduate Spotlight: Haileigh Grubbs
Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2025
“Be prepared for an adventure you never expected.”
Meet Haileigh Grubbs, a vibrant force of leadership, resilience, and hands-on innovation. Originally from Albuquerque, Haileigh came to New Mexico Tech four years ago as a chemical engineering major. But like many students figuring things out, she quickly realized her true passion lay elsewhere. After exploring different fields and getting swept up in the energy of Tech’s legendary robot combat competition, she made the switch to mechanical engineering and never looked back.
Haileigh didn’t just study engineering. She lived it. She led the Drone Garden research team in developing a solar-powered drone housing station for remote deployment and took on the role of president of the Golf Club, breathing new life into a group that was nearly inactive. She also served as vice president of the Volleyball Club, treasurer of the Jiu-Jitsu Club, and even tried her hand at Western dance.
“I kept busy,” she laughed. “But I loved every minute of it.”
One of her proudest accomplishments was rebuilding the Golf Club and turning it into something students could be proud of again. She hosted successful tournaments and re-established its reputation both on campus and in the community.
“I’ve always been told I’m too forward, too much of a go-getter,” she said. “But I’ve learned that in the right space, being ‘too much’ is exactly what it takes to make things happen.”
In the classroom, Haileigh found support and inspiration from her professors. Hollis Dinwiddie (Instructor Mechanical Engineering) who pushed her with the fast pace of fluid dynamics but also offered steady encouragement, especially when she stepped up as a research team lead. William Oxford’s (Professor) reverse-classroom model gave her tools to think critically and confidently navigate challenges. “He taught me how to let things roll off my shoulders,” she said. “That mindset helped me more than he knows.”
She also shared her appreciation for Dr. Mustafa Hassanalian (Associate Professor Mechanical Engineering), her academic and project advisor, who always had a positive word and believed in her when things felt overwhelming. “He constantly reminded me that I’m going to do great things, and that encouragement carried me through some tough days.” Even though she didn’t get to take a class with him, Haileigh says former advisor Dr. Michael Kimberley left a lasting impression. “He had a presence that made you feel seen and supported.”
Her time at Tech wasn’t without personal hardship. Within a six-month span, she lost three close family members, including her grandfather. Balancing grief, coursework, and club leadership was incredibly difficult, but Haileigh credits the support of her family, professors and the Tech community for helping her get through it.
“Tech challenged me in ways I never expected,” she said. “But it also gave me the strength to grow into who I am now.”
She’s especially grateful to the Alumni Affairs Office, where she found some of her most meaningful leadership opportunities and ways to give back to the campus. She gave a special shoutout to Sophie Bauer (Development Officer), who connected her to McCarthy Building Companies through her work in Career Services.
“At first, I didn’t even know what McCarthy did,” Haileigh admitted. “But Sophie told me to trust the opportunity. She was right. I ended up exactly where I was meant to be.”
After graduation, Haileigh is headed to Phoenix to work for McCarthy as a project engineer. Her first assignment will be a state-of-the-art data center, followed by a dream project: working on a new Major League Baseball stadium in Las Vegas.
“I’m beyond excited,” she said. “Not many people get to help build something that iconic.”
Haileigh credits her family as the foundation of her success, the steady presence that kept her grounded through every twist and triumph of her college journey. Originally from Albuquerque, Haileigh stayed in close touch with her family throughout her four years at Tech, daily check-ins, a bustling group chat, and constant encouragement became her emotional anchor. Their unwavering support became even more vital during one of the most difficult periods of her life: the loss of three beloved family members within six months. Haileigh stepped away from school to care for her grandmother, who had just lost her husband of 51 years. During that time, she shifted roles from student to caregiver, simply being present in the house, sometimes just sitting nearby, to offer comfort. It was a deeply challenging adjustment, but her family’s needs came first, and her strength in showing up for them speaks volumes about the values they instilled in her. Even in moments when grief and academic pressure collided, her family reminded her of her worth and resilience. They celebrated her every accomplishment, big and small, from leading club projects to just making it through a hard week, reminding her that she didn’t have to carry the weight of everything alone. For Haileigh, their love wasn’t just emotional, it was instrumental. It gave her permission to pause when she needed to, courage to return when she was ready, and the perspective to know that success is never a solo act. As she steps forward into a promising career, she carries with her the quiet strength and endless support of the people who have always believed in her, long before the world saw what she was capable of.
Her advice for future students is simple but powerful: “Be adaptable. Be open. And don’t be afraid to fail. Tech will test you in every way, but you’ll come out stronger, smarter, and more confident than you ever imagined.”
Congratulations, Haileigh! Your energy, drive, and heart have left a lasting mark at New Mexico Tech. We can’t wait to see what you do next. Welcome to the alumni family.