Broedy Poppell is a senior civil engineering student at the joint college. He also plays catcher for the FAMU Baseball team. (Jai Smith / Florida A&M Athletics)
Broedy Poppell, a civil engineering senior undergraduate student at Florida A&M University and the joint college—and collegiate baseball player, was recently awarded the prestigious Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Annual Scholarship in Civil Engineering for his outstanding academic and leadership achievements.
“The generosity of this scholarship means a great deal to me,” Poppell said. “It is a testament that hard work in the classroom does not go unnoticed. As a collegiate athlete, it’s often assumed that the focus is solely on sports, but academic dedication is just as crucial.”
Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, Poppell balances his demanding academic schedule with his passion for baseball. This summer, he played collegiate summer baseball in Virginia, took classes and interned at a dental care center. After graduation, he plans to transition from engineering to dentistry.
Is his shift in academic focus surprising?
According to Michelle Rambo-Roddenberry, and associate dean and professor of civil and environmental engineering at the college, the foundation an engineering student gets is versatile and applicable to various fields. Engineering students develop analytical and problem-solving skills, an aptitude for details and an understanding of materials and technology—all relevant to other fields such as dentistry.
While Poppell is just starting his journey, he is excited about the path ahead. He took time from his busy schedule to share thoughts about his deep ties to the Tallahassee community and the importance of academics to his success.
Why dentistry?
My uncle was a pediatric dentist in Tallahassee for 20+ years, and my grandma worked in the office, so I was always around the dental practice. Dental school requires lots of science courses, so why not get the engineering and other science courses I need for admission? I knew the challenging workload would prepare me for the future.
When did you know what you wanted to do?
Throughout high school, I knew I wanted to get a good degree and continue my athletic career. Academics have always come first because my parents have instilled in me from a young age that athletics will end, but a degree will last a lifetime. FAMU has offered me the opportunity to get a civil engineering degree through the joint college and play baseball, for which I am very grateful.
What is the best thing about engineering and going to school here?
I love the real-world applications of engineering. Civil engineering is interesting because it deals with the roads we drive on, our houses—almost everything in society. The coursework here at the college incorporates realistic, real-world problems and projects to solve and help us learn. FAMU offers an excellent education and I like the sense of community we have at FAMU and the joint college. From school spirit to meeting alums at baseball games and everything in between, I love going to school here.
How do you balance playing a competitive sport and school?
Balancing the life of a student-athlete, especially in engineering, is challenging with demanding academics and a grueling sports schedule. Despite often missing classes for games, the support from teachers and dedication to studying during travels and after practice help maintain academic success. This lifestyle demands a strong work ethic and instills a mindset that prepares me for future success.
What do you love most about baseball?
Baseball has been my passion of mine since I learned to walk. I have played this game for 18 years and know nothing except baseball and school. I love the aspects of teamwork and failure that come from game. It’s the definition of a team sport with ups and downs and 40 people on a roster. The camaraderie and bonds created with teammates last a lifetime.
Why did you decide to be a catcher?
The catcher is the field captain and you must work the hardest. You see the whole field and know what everyone should be doing. I enjoy having control of a considerable aspect of the game. Being a catcher allows me to analyze and think about all situations during play.
What is your most memorable baseball experience?
Playing at the University of Florida! UF is usually one of the top teams in the country, with a massive stadium and thousands and thousands of fans at their games. I had three hits in the game against them this year. Being able to play on such a big stage that I had watched as a kid growing up and performing well was a fantastic experience.
Best advice for students?
My advice for students in the college is to keep going. Time flies—I am already entering my fourth year of college. It feels like there is so much work and time left before you graduate but put your head down and work hard in all aspects of life. Before you know it, it will pay off and you will be glad you worked as hard as you did. I sure feel that way.
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