University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus and Vice President of Electric Vehicle Excellence at General Motors Tim Herrick recently visited campus and shared advice with students from his 38 years with General Motors, many of which were spent in leadership roles.
Herrick toured Russell Hall with members of the Industrial Studies Department and Cole Olson, a student who will graduate this May and work at General Motors. He also spoke with students and other members of the campus community in Doudna Hall and at UW-Platteville’s new IDEA Hub on Main Street. Herrick ended the day with a discussion with students in the Society of Automotive Engineers and a tour of the new Sesquicentennial Hall.
“Skills are great, but to have mentorship and leadership is paramount. If you take anything away from this, please be a steward of mentorship.” –Tim Herrick
Herrick’s presentations centered around leadership and his journey from UW-Platteville to General Motors. He said he attributes much of his success to characteristics he developed at UW-Platteville, including the grit and perseverance typical of Midwest farmers. But, above all else, he emphasized the importance of being a leader and mentor. Herrick helped launch the Leader Foundry which supports students in the Metro Detroit schools with mentorship and scholarships.
“Skills are great, but to have mentorship and leadership is paramount,” said Herrick. “If you take anything away from this, please be a steward of mentorship.”
Herrick graduated from UW-Platteville in 1983 with a degree in industrial technology. His past leadership positions at General Motors include Executive Chief Engineer of Next Gen Full-Size Trucks and Vice President of Global Product Programs. He is also a recipient of the 2020 UW-Platteville Distinguished Alumni Award.