Cole Wilmert

Cole Wilmert came to the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University in search of new opportunities and a change of scenery. He quickly found both, along with a passion for construction engineering that cemented his path forward.

A natural problem solver, Wilmert was drawn to engineering for its mix of challenge and creativity. Discovering that the construction engineering program in the Del E. Webb School of Construction, part of the Fulton Schools, is among the best in the country made his decision even easier.

While at ASU, Wilmert served as project manager for the ASCE Student Steel Bridge Team. He says one of his proudest accomplishments is reviving the team from a handful of members to more than 50. His efforts also secured him an internship that evolved into a full-time role, providing him with hands-on experience in managing subcontractors, and he even made appearances on Blaze Radio.

Wilmert credits President’s Professor Keith Hjelmstad as an instrumental mentor who encouraged him to seek leadership roles and embrace failure as an essential part of learning. That mindset shaped his approach both in class and on construction sites.

“Keith Hjelmstad helped push me in the right direction of taking charge and filling leadership positions in my academic career,” Wilmert says. “He also encouraged me to fail with pride because the only way to learn is by failing first.”

One project in particular showed him the real-world impact of his degree. While working with a general contractor, Wilmert helped build a bridge in Superior, Arizona, which played a critical role during severe flooding. Because the bridge allowed first responders to cross Queen Creek wash safely, responders reached a major accident within minutes and saved lives. Wilmert says that experience underscored how engineering solutions can directly serve communities.

“First responders arrived at the scene of a brutal accident within four minutes and were able to save the lives of those in the accident,” Wilmert says. “This was only possible because of the bridge that my team and I were lucky enough to build.”

After graduation, Wilmert will continue working for a general contractor in Arizona, with plans to eventually explore opportunities in other states. Long term, he aims to solve large-scale engineering challenges that help contractors save time and money, and he hopes to contribute to major heavy-civil projects.

Favorites

Hobby: Hiking
Band: Space Wizard
Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Sport: Rock climbing
Book: 1984 by George Orwell

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ fall 2025 class.

Written by Hannah Weisman