Eugene Poole Jr.
A.S., ’80, Hopkinsville Community College B.A., ’85, University of Kentucky M.P.M., ’11, George Washington University M.Div., ’15, Maple Springs College and Seminary Popsicle sticks, toothpicks, cardboard or any material would do for Eugene Poole as a child because he was always interested in how things fit together. His parents encouraged his curiosity and now he is the first African American in the country to serve as U.S. Capitol jurisdiction executive and project manager for the restoration of the iconic 150-year-old U.S. Capitol dome in Washington.
“I enjoy my profession as an architect. Many times when opportunities present themselves, you must be prepared when that door opens.
A serious student at Hopkinsville High School, he liked to build scale models of Kentucky churches. His parents and teachers poured into him a sense of morality and responsibility that propelled his career in ways he could have never dreamed.
Second chances are rare, and many people experience fundamental failures because of nonpreparation. Typically, people become sidetracked
Poole had seen many architects in upscale magazines, and he wanted to work on similar special and unusual projects. His degree in architecture from UK helped open those doors. Internationally-known faculty prepared him well for the design challenges he faced in his career.
by distractions and ultimately veer offcourse relinquishing their hopes, their dreams and a fruitful destiny.”
In 1985, after graduating from the UK College of Architecture, now the College of Design, he received his Air Force officer commission. He became the lead architectural designer for the Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he was stationed. Also, to his credit, Poole is recognized internationally as a fine arts painter whose work has been collected by celebrities and U.S. presidents. He is globally published in major media outlets, and he mentors students in the D.C. metro area charter school system. Poole encourages others to develop a dream, focus on their path, and be prepared for challenges. His parents reminded him to follow his dreams. He still remembers their words of encouragement, “Stay the course. You are almost there.”
Eugene Poole overseas the restoration of the iconic U.S. Capitol Dome.
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