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Bill Dotson didn't always want to go to college. In fact, he had a great job as a heavy machine operator on a construction crew and was making great money. At the time, college wasn't even a fleeting thought. But all that changed July 25, 1993, when Dotson fell asleep at the wheel driving home from work and wound up a paraplegic.
 Bill Dotson Photo courtesy of The Journal Gazette
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After months of physical therapy and a ride on an emotional roller coaster, Dotson, 44, realized he needed to "get on with his life," and in January 1995, he enrolled in the Civil and Architectural Engineering Technology program at IPFW. Having worked on construction crews, Dotson felt he knew a lot about the practical aspects of civil engineering, but he needed technical knowledge.
"I knew living on disability was no way to go," he said.
He received his associate's degree in December 1998 and plans to work as a project manager for a civil engineering company, designing mainly storm and sewer systems.
In October, Dotson received a John Deere Gator, a gift from the State of Indiana. "In order to be a project manager, I have to be able to access the job sites," he said. "A man from New York came and evaluated my situation, and recommended the Gator, which is basically a glorified golf cart. The Gator makes me more viable and does not limit me to a desk.
"I think I was given the Gator because my caseworker and evaluator realized I was going back to school to get back in the work force, that I wasn't going to sit around and feel sorry for myself."
Dotson was a typical returning adult student. "The first semester was very traumatic," he said. "I stuck out like a sore thumb, not only because of my age, but also because of the wheelchair. Just learning the basics of a computer overwhelmed me at times, and I would think 'what am I doing here?'"
Matthew Kubik, associate professor of architectural engineering technology and Dotson's academic adviser, has nothing but good things to say about Dotson. "Just through sheer will and determination, Bill has overcome tremendous obstacles," said Kubik. "He has turned a tragedy into a triumph, and he is moving on with his life. He is a real example to us all. It's all about perseverance and determination.
"You can overcome anything if you truly have the desire."
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