A driven mechanical engineering senior at Western New England University, Josh Farrell ’26 blends a passion for athletics, engineering, and the arts while leaving a legacy on campus through leadership, innovation, and community impact. 

Tell us about yourself and why you chose Western New England University (WNE).

Born and raised in Pawtucket, R.I., I’m proud to say that I officially graduated in May with a degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in mechatronics and a minor in athletic coaching. As a WNE tour guide, I always told prospective students two things that brought me here: academics and athletics. WNE was the first school that I visited with the class sizes I wanted, a great job placement rate, hands-on programs, internship opportunities, and NCAA sports. In high school I was a state champion and national qualifier for track and field, and I knew that it was something I wanted to continue in college. However, I didn’t want to sacrifice my academic experience for a sport. That’s why WNE was the perfect fit for me. Academically I knew I was setting myself up for success, and I could also continue competing in sports at a high level.

You have a unique degree combination. How did you choose this?

I’ve always been around athletics. However, coaching popped up out of nowhere during my senior year of high school when I had to be one of the girls track coaches due to a staffing shortage. I loved that experience and I have such a passion for my sport, so I wanted to pass that on to other athletes. I continued coaching after I graduated high school, and I now have around 20 former athletes that I helped coach competing at the collegiate level. My experience coaching other athletes is what pushed me to pursue a minor in athletic coaching. If I ever want to coach a team of my own, I will have the accreditation to help me accomplish this.

Reflecting on your past four years as a Mechanical Engineering student, what were some of your favorite memories?

I really enjoyed being part of the Product Innovation Development Showcase this past December. I was on team Orbit, which consisted of myself, three engineering students, and three business students. Together we created a modular attachment that tracks disc golf discs after they are thrown. We ended up getting second place, and it was a great experience because we worked together to create a strong product for a niche market.

How have hands-on labs and design projects influenced your learning experience?

I have loved how hands-on the Engineering program has been here at WNE, and I found that I learn best this way. During my freshman year I actually got the opportunity to work as a research assistant in the Civil Engineering Department. I worked with drones that were specifically used alongside first responders and in rescue situations. This experience gave me an introduction to everything engineering, and it’s how I found that I like working on the coding and electrical side of things.

You are very involved on campus; can you talk about the programs you are a part of and why?

The programs that I’m involved in are cross country and track and field, where I’m the captain of both, along with Stageless Players. Running has been part of my life for a long time, with 12 years in cross country and eight years in track and field. Competing at the collegiate level was something I always aimed for, whereas theatre is not something I tried until my senior year of high school, yet loved it and knew I wanted to continue performing at WNE. Four years later, I’m glad I stuck with it, as Stageless Players has given me my closest friends. Each semester we get to do something we love together, and it’s been such an important part of my undergraduate career. This spring I participated in my seventh and final show as Billy Nolan in Carrie: The Musical.

You helped create the WNE track and field team. What was that process like, and what did it mean to you to be part of it?

When I first came to WNE, we were a cross country only University. As a track and field athlete as well, I had a goal of building a track and field team here. After pestering Coach Jon Harris ’04 for two years, he and I made the push to administration to form a team. At the end of my sophomore year, it was announced that a track and field program would launch for the next spring season. Our first season drew more than 70 athletes, and in our second, we had a team of 81 making us one of the largest programs in our conference. Looking back, creating this team was such an amazing experience because it will outlive me at WNE while helping future generations of students—and whether they know my name or not, it’s part of my legacy.

You are also a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), what are you responsible for?

I’m on the executive board of SAAC, where I help to plan the Golden Bear Trot, which is an annual 5k on campus in the fall where the athletic department collects canned good donations for a local food shelter here in Springfield. For 20 years, the Golden Bear Trot has united the University in helping to make a difference in the Springfield community.

How did it feel to win the Grand Skookum Award at the start of your senior year?

It was surreal. When I originally got nominated, I thought I had a good chance to be named a Skookum; however, Grand Skookum was never a thought in my mind. I remember sitting there as they read off names, and the longer they went without calling mine is when reality began to set in that I won. It was a special moment for me, because during my time here I have had a lot of people tell me that I’m an overachiever and that I should just settle into a couple of things. After winning Grand Skookum, it felt like everything I did here at WNE was validated. I have always given 100% to this University and it was amazing to be recognized.

Outside of your various campus roles, what else are you involved in?

Off campus I’m a volunteer coach for the Wilbraham and Monson track and field team. I have not been able to go to as many practices since we got our own track and field team, but I still try my best to go to meets and events. The opportunity to coach high school students in the community has been amazing as I get to branch out into the greater Springfield area and make an impact. Wherever I live, my goal is not to simply work and go home. I want to be part of my community, and volunteering at Wilbraham and Monson is how I do just that.

What are your plans after graduation?

Starting off the summer, I will be competing on the New England pro track circuit while also taking the stage in a community theater production in Swansea, Mass. In August, I will begin my role as a mechanical engineer with Consulting Engineering Services in Norwood, Mass., focusing on the design of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and fire protection systems. That same month, I will also start my Master of Business Administration at Regis College, where I will continue competing in my final year of collegiate track and field.

How has WNE shaped you personally and professionally?

Western New England truly set me up for success through my courses, clubs, and athletic teams. The engineering program prepared me to be well-rounded not just in design, but in coding, testing, and analysis. It also emphasized teamwork, which reflects real-world engineering, and helped me build strong collaboration skills. Personally, I’ve grown into a more intentional and self-aware individual. My experiences here taught me to prioritize what truly makes me happy and to surround myself with supportive people. WNE has given me both the skills and the community to confidently move forward in my life.

What does WNE mean to you?

Western New England University will always be home to me. No matter where I go in life, I will always be a Golden Bear at heart. Even when all the people I know here leave, the campus will still be filled with the echoes and memories of the people that I love and the dreams that I pursued here.