Alumni Fellow Mark Nyquist
By Grant Guggisberg
When Mark Nyquist thinks back to what helped set his career on a path to success decades ago, he credits Kansas State University and the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering for preparing him well for the multitude of challenges he faced as an engineer and executive.
“If you go all the way back to the beginning of my career, I felt really confident when I graduated,” Nyquist said. “The broad range of classes and content that were in my classes really prepared me for so many circumstances that I engaged. So it gave me some problem-solving capabilities that I felt like maybe others from other institutions didn’t have, so I think it really set me on the path.”
Nyquist was chosen in the spring as the college’s 2022 Alumni Fellow, returning to campus to meet with students, faculty and staff and engage with administrators both in the college and the broader university.
"Be curious. That’s just part of being an engineer, you have to be curious about whatever it is that you’re looking at. Curiosity is the pathway to innovation and finding solutions."
— Mark Nyquist
“It’s humbling – I’m very honored,” he said. “I was surprised when I found out, frankly, when I think about all the accomplished engineering professionals that have come out of Kansas State. All (engineering) alums are so proud of K-State and proud to be a part of this college and the university.”
Nyquist recently retired after 18 years as the CEO and chairman of DynaTen Corporation out of Fort Worth, Texas, leading the company through its merger with Comfort Systems U.S.A. in 2014. He began with the company as chief operating officer in 1994.
He graduated from K-State with a bachelor’s in construction science in 1980 and has remained connected to the university over the years since, including marking his fifth year on the College of Engineering advisory council. He will serve as council chair in 2023-2024.
Nyquist said serving on the council has led him to admire the college faculty and leadership for navigating through difficult obstacles.
“Probably the most rewarding part for me is gaining a better understanding of the business elements of higher education,” he said. “I’m accustomed to running a business and the challenges that presents, but I hadn’t really considered the business elements of higher education and all of the challenges that are associated with that.
“It’s been an honor to serve on the council with a group of brilliant engineering alums that have worked their careers in a variety of engineering disciplines. Everyone brings a unique perspective to the process. I always find that serving on any board or committee brings more back to me than what I deliver.”
As for what advice he would give current or future engineering students, he settled on three things: stay the course, be curious and be aware of your personal brand.
“I remember as a freshman getting a little anxious, wondering if this is more than I could handle,” he said. “But I would say stay the course. It gets easier as you go. Then down the road, be curious. That’s just part of being an engineer, you have to be curious about whatever it is that you’re looking at. Curiosity is the pathway to innovation and finding solutions.
“Finally, be aware of your personal brand. We all have our own brand, whether you’ve considered it or not, believe me, everybody has their own brand. And so, think about your personal brand as you interact with staff, students, your future employers and peers. Always have that be front of mind.”