Born in Paducah, Kentucky, Bill spent the formative years of his life surrounded by a community that inspired determination and ambition. When he was in eighth grade, Bill’s mother and father moved their family to Liberty, Indiana, opening doors to new opportunities and challenges that would shape his future.

Bill’s future success in nuclear was marked early by his desire to learn and his need for speed. While reading a publication of Scientific American, Bill stumbled across an article about particle accelerators, learning that these machines can accelerate objects close to the speed of light. Instantly intrigued, Bill boldly declared to his class his intention to build a particle accelerator for the school science fair, asserting, "I can do anything I want to do." 

Bill’s high-school teacher recognized his potential and drive and offered to take him to Miami University in Ohio, stating, “Let’s see what it takes to build a particle accelerator.” This trip solidified Bill’s decision to become a nuclear engineer.

Bill fondly recalled the early years of his Purdue experience as "a lot of fun." Immersed in a diverse community, attending classes, sporting events and concerts, he cherished every moment.  

Bill’s entrance into the School his sophomore year was groundbreaking, though he was unaware of the historic significance. 

With unwavering support from his parents, peers and faculty including Franklyn Clikeman, Alexander Sesonske and Paul Lydoukis, Bill thrived. His dedication and natural talent earned him respect throughout the school and two internships with Bechtel Power Corporation, where he performed accident analysis for the construction of new nuclear power plants across the United States.

“When doing accident analysis, I would look at the flow rate of the steam in plants. Flow rates were millions of pounds of steam per hour, and that just amazed me.” exclaimed Bill. “I remember thinking, I have to work at one of these plants.”

Graduating in 1985, Bill received 13 job offers, opting for a position at Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station in Delta, Pennsylvania, where he spent 17 years. His 39-year career includes managerial, director, vice president, and presidential roles at various companies, including Exelon, NextEra Energy, Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, and STP Nuclear Operating Company.

Currently, Bill resides with his wife, Gillian, split between Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, Texas. Bill is the executive vice president of operations and chief safety officer at NiSource, a mid-sized natural gas and electric utility company that also performs power generation with coal, gas, solar and wind. In this role, Bill oversees emergency response, engineering and asset management, environmental health and safety, field operations support, major projects, operational excellence, work management and construction. 

Bill's journey stands as a historic milestone for the School. Graduating among the first African-American student in the program in 1985, Bill pioneered a pathway toward a more diverse academic and industrial landscape. On Jan. 11, Bill returned to Purdue to share his story with the Minority Engineering Program (MEP)and contribute to NiSource's efforts in engaging and recruiting talented engineers from Purdue.

MEP is one of several Purdue initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion within the College of Engineering. To date, this program has played a crucial role in facilitating the graduation of over 3,000 underrepresented engineering students. Bill’s return to Purdue aligned with MEP’s goal of providing dialogue to achieve corporate workforce diversity and inclusion and NiSource’s commitment to expose students to the company and ultimately hire talented engineers. Together, MEP and a team from NiSource held a recruiting event with over many students in attendance.

Bill described the growth of diversity in engineering at Purdue and in the nuclear industry as "very satisfying and exciting." During the event, he emphasized and advised students to be open to new opportunities, learn from experienced colleagues, stay flexible in the workplace and figure out what they like and continue to move in that direction.

"Purdue prepares you for anything you want to do," Jefferson said, emphasizing how the university enabled him to seamlessly transition into various roles and make a significant difference at many companies that impact the world.

Bill Jefferson's narrative serves as a powerful reminder that excellence knows no bounds, and that dreams pursued with unwavering determination, do indeed become reality.

Bill Jefferson and Seungjin Kim, Capt. James F. McCarthy, Jr. and Cheryl E. McCarthy Head of the School of Nuclear Engineering