For Dave Mauger, earning a master’s degree in engineering from CSU Pueblo wasn’t just about advancing his education—it was about balancing life, family, and career while laying the groundwork for future success.
Enrolled in 2013 while working full-time at a small railroad research and development firm in Pueblo, Dave juggled a demanding job, family life with a spouse and two children, and a rigorous academic schedule. The flexibility of CSU Pueblo’s program allowed him to pursue his master’s with a specialization in railroad engineering without compromising his professional or personal responsibilities. “It enabled me to balance academic pursuits with my professional and familial responsibilities, inadvertently enhancing my time management skills,” he recalls. “The practical experience of simultaneous working and learning enriched my understanding and strengthened my resume.”
Since graduating in 2015, Dave has gone on to become the Director of Innovation at CSX, one of the nation’s premier Class I freight railroads operating across the eastern U.S. and into Canada. He credits CSU Pueblo’s specialized engineering curriculum with giving him the tools to make an immediate and lasting impact in the field. “Because the majority of my degree work was focused on railroad engineering and technology, I was—and still am—able to apply my education directly to enable exciting innovations in the industry.”
At CSX, Dave leads high-impact initiatives that push the boundaries of what’s possible in rail transportation, from improving safety and service to exploring alternative energies. “Innovation is not easy,” he notes. “But it is imperative that the railroad industry find and use technologies that are being utilized in other industries, are in their infancy and need support, or can be imagined as a railroad solution with some encouragement.” Of the many projects he’s undertaken, he’s most proud of building and supporting the CSX Innovation Team—a group driving technological advancement and sustainability within the company and the larger rail industry.
When asked what advice he’d give to current students and new graduates, Dave keeps it simple: “Put in the work, learn to learn. It will serve you well throughout your career and your life.”
Today, Dave stays connected to CSU Pueblo in a special way—through his two children, who are both currently enrolled as students. His son is entering his final year in the 3+2 Mechatronics Engineering master’s program and plays on the club baseball team, while his daughter is pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and dances for the dance team. “Having both of them at CSU Pueblo provides our family plenty of opportunity to stay connected to the Thunderwolf community,” he shares.
Dave Mauger’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance, passion, and the impact of a supportive educational environment. His journey from working student to industry innovator reflects not only his own determination but also the strength of the foundation built at CSU Pueblo.
