Alexander Kurz

After starting out as a mechanical engineering student, Alexander Kurz realized he wanted to pair technical knowledge with the leadership and managerial skills needed to guide engineering teams.

That realization led him to pivot to engineering management, a program in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. Kurz says he was drawn to the field because of the “untapped potential and talent in early-career engineering and technical managers” that is often overlooked in industry.

“Industry should embrace these young professionals, bringing them into the executive boardrooms and asking them, ‘What are our blind spots?’ or ‘How would you approach this problem?’” Kurz says.

Kurz, who is graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in engineering management, is also earning a Certificate of Cross-Sector Leadership, which focuses on preparing students to lead across sectors, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. An honors student participating in the Accelerated Master’s degree program, he plans to continue developing his leadership perspective by pursuing a master’s degree in global management from ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management.

His interest in cross-sector leadership is especially focused on civilian-military relationships and the defense industry.

“I knew I could be a cross-sector leader and engineering manager at the intersection of civilian-military relationships,” Kurz says. “As the defense industry evolves and global political economies shift, I continue to be an everyday, everywhere leader and learner, engaging with active-duty military personnel, veterans and the private defense industry.”

One of Kurz’s most meaningful experiences came through the Public Service Academy, which sponsored his attendance at the 30th National Character and Leadership Symposium at the United States Air Force Academy. There, he says, his interest in civilian-military leadership grew as he observed the shared values among cadets and civilians, including the importance of building relationships, learning from failure and growing as leaders. That experience helped lead him to work in the defense industry at Projects Unlimited Inc. and L3Harris.

Kurz also served as founding president of the American Society for Engineering Management at ASU, helping establish a student chapter with more than 100 members. The organization provides networking and professional development opportunities for students preparing to become the next generation of engineering and technical managers.

Kurz says his experience as an ASU Pat Tillman Scholar and Next Generation Service Corps Scholar also shaped his approach to leadership.

“As an ASU Pat Tillman Scholar and Next Generation Service Corps Scholar, I am part of action-oriented communities that exercise service before self,” Kurz says.

After graduation, Kurz will serve as a project management intern for Rolls-Royce in its defense segment while pursuing his master’s degree in global management. In the long term, he hopes to bridge public and private entities to build trust in civilian-military partnerships. He also says he has a soft spot for The Walt Disney Company and could see himself applying his talents to “magical storytelling.”

Favorites

Hobby: Planning a Disneyland trip
Activity: Going to Disneyland or to the beach
Movie: Ratatouille
TV show: Golden Girls

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2026 class.

Written by Joe Kullman