William N. Hernandez ('96 BS, Mechanical Engineering)

Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in southern California and graduated from Fairfax High School. I currently live in Arlington, Texas with my wife and kids. 

Why did you choose to attend UTA?
I was offered an athletic scholarship by Coach Jim Hayes to play wheelchair basketball for the UTA Movin' Mavs.

What did you study at UTA? What attracted you to that field?
Initially, I wanted to study astronomy to become an astronaut, but later I figured I could take a different route by becoming an engineer. So I decided to go into mechanical engineering. 

Describe your UTA experience. How did UTA help prepare you for your career?
Definitely one of the best schools for engineering with a strong staff of engineering professors that lead the way. It was not easy, but I learned a lot from professors that had experience in the field of engineering and manufacturing. Dr. Stephen Kugle was my mentor, advisor, and professor at UTA. He was one of my inspirations in starting Per4max Medical. When I was a sophomore in college, Dr. Kugle allowed me to take a crash course in computer-aided design over a weekend. Along with my teammates, we wanted to create the ideal sports wheelchair and Dr. Kugle provided us with the tools for that. Per4max was created with me and three other teammates from the Movin' Mavs: Jesus Alamillo, Phung Tran ('96 BS, Mechanical Engineering), and Chhay Mac. The number 4 represents the original founders of our group in the early '90s. 

Did you receive a scholarship while at UTA? How did it help you to achieve your goals?
I received a full athletic scholarship from Coach Jim Hayes at UTA. I would have had to take out a loan otherwise if it wasn't for the adaptive wheelchair basketball program Coach Hayes had built. It changed my life forever and it continues to bring me success to this day. 

What is your current professional position? 
I am currently the president/CEO/engineer of P4X Inc., doing business as Per4max Medical. We manufacture custom-built everyday/sports wheelchairs for active living disabled individuals all over the world. I continue engineering and innovating for the next generation of adaptive wheelchair products. 

Describe your path to your current position. What have you learned along the way?
When I graduated, I took a position as an engineer in robotic automation where I learned different skills in manufacturing. Later I decided to start Per4max, where I learned many aspects of engineering, business, and marketing. It is a changing world, and you have to keep up with new innovations. 

What's one lesson you learned at UTA that has stayed with you still today?
UTA gave me a second family, a place I can call home, and friends for a lifetime. To this day, I still am connected with the Movin' Mavs. UTA gave me an opportunity, so in return, we support them with our product as well. 

What message do you have for the next generation of UTA graduates?
Take advantage when the opportunity presents itself. Study what you love and do it for yourself, because this is your career for the rest of your life.