Aleksandar Milenkov ('03 BSME)

Tell us about yourself!
I was born in Skopje, Macedonia, a small but beautiful country on the Balkan Peninsula, rich in history and culture. In 1999, I immigrated to the United States, and after a year at San Antonio College, I began my journey at The University of Texas at Arlington in 2001.

As a non-traditional student and a new immigrant, I faced many challenges, but I was determined to succeed. UTA provided me with a strong foundation in engineering, and I’ve carried that knowledge and discipline into every aspect of my life. Currently, I lead KAI’s Engineering team from our Dallas Fort Worth area office. For over 45 years, KAI has combined award-winning design and construction expertise under one roof to deliver projects that improve lives by prioritizing diverse perspectives.

I’m also a proud father of three amazing boys; they are my greatest motivation and the reason I strive to keep growing and improving every day.

Interestingly, my engineering mindset led me to discover a love for baking. The precision, creativity, and care that goes into crafting the perfect loaf of bread or brewing the perfect cup of coffee became a new passion. My wife and I turned that passion into a small Instagram-based coffee and bakery shop, where we share our creations with others @loafbakeryandcoffee.

Our dream is to one day open a welcoming space for our community where the smell of fresh bread and the warmth of a good espresso bring people together. 

Why did you choose to attend UTA?
As a non-traditional student and a new immigrant, I took a very deliberate approach in choosing the right university. I evaluated several institutions based on education quality, opportunities, cost, commute, and acceptance. After careful consideration, The University of Texas at Arlington stood out as the best overall value. Once I began attending, it quickly became clear that I had made an excellent decision. UTA provided not only a strong academic foundation but also a supportive environment that helped me thrive.

"NEVER STOP LEARNING AND GROWING, AND ALWAYS STRIVE TO IMPROVE."

What drew you to a graduate degree in engineering?
Both of my parents were engineers, and from a young age, I was fascinated by the world of engineering. My father was deeply passionate about his work. He often took me to the places where he worked, and I was always inspired by his strong work ethic, integrity, and the positive way he treated his employees. Watching him lead with such dedication and respect left a lasting impression on me. I’ve always aspired to follow in his footsteps and become the kind of engineer and person he was.

Describe your UTA experience. How did UTA help prepare you for your career?
UTA’s engineering program gave me a really strong foundation. I learned the core principles and fundamentals that have been essential in my transition into the professional world. The curriculum was both challenging and practical, which helped me understand not just the theory, but also how to apply it to real-world engineering systems, processes, and design. Engineering is a field where continuous learning is key, and because of the solid base I built at UTA, I’ve been able to pick up new skills and advance more quickly in my role.

Describe your path to your current position. What have you learned along the way?
I began my career at Carter & Burgess, which later became part of Jacobs. From the start, I was fortunate to work alongside brilliant engineers whose mentorship helped shape not only my technical skills but also my vision for the future. Their guidance played a pivotal role in helping me discover my passion and define my career path.

I currently serve as an Engineering Principal at KAI Enterprises, where I lead the KAI Engineering team. In this role, I’m responsible for guiding our multidisciplinary engineering team, mentoring emerging talent, and driving innovative solutions that align with our clients’ visions and community needs.

"LISTEN NOT JUST TO RESPOND, BUT TO TRULY UNDERSTAND AND ABSORB THE KNOWLEDGE."

As Principal of KAI’s Engineering Team, I play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our engineering practice. I lead a dynamic and talented group of professionals dedicated to delivering innovative, client-focused solutions that respond to the unique challenges of each project. I am proud to be part of KAI and our company commitment to making a difference is demonstrated by our company-wide initiative to transform 100 communities in 10 years. KAI’s “100 in 10: Transforming 100 Communities Over the Next 10 Years the KAI Way” goal reflects a deep commitment to social impact, equity, and sustainable development. It’s not just about building structures; it’s about rebuilding lives, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating spaces where people can thrive.

Over time, I learned that leadership requires patience, experience, and a deep understanding of every layer of engineering. Becoming a leader in engineering requires building trust, knowing the process, respecting the people, listening to what they have to say, fostering growth, leading by example and never losing sight of the bigger picture. I remain grateful for every opportunity, every challenge, and every lesson. I firmly believe that leadership advancement is intrinsically tied to the growth of those you lead. Leadership, at its core, is about enabling others to thrive. And when they do, the entire organization moves forward.

What drew you to your career path? Can you share any defining moments in your career that inspired you to continue your work?
From the beginning of my career, I was driven by a great desire to lead an engineering team for the opportunity to inspire, guide, and build something meaningful in collaboration with others. Transitioning from a design role into leadership was a bold and challenging move, but one that aligned perfectly with the direction I envisioned for my professional growth.

Building and scaling an engineering team is never a solo endeavor. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside exceptional engineers and receive great support from management. That environment not only inspired me and fueled my motivation but also reaffirmed the value of my leadership. Watching talented individuals tackle complex, highly technical projects, sometimes in partnership with some of the top engineering firms in the country, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

What's one lesson you learned at UTA that has stayed with you still today?
Be a great listener. Listen not just to respond, but to truly understand and absorb the knowledge your professors are sharing. This habit will serve you well throughout your career. You'll encounter coworkers, leaders, managers, and mentors, each with valuable experiences and insights. By actively listening and learning from them, you’ll gain knowledge that can truly set you apart.

What message do you have for the next generation of UTA graduates?
Believe in yourself, never stop learning and growing, and always strive to improve. Treat others with respect and kindness, take pride in your work, and own your mistakes and accomplishments. And most importantly, don’t let the small setbacks discourage you, stay focused and determined, the rewards will come sooner than you expected.

Anything else you would like to share?
I'm proud to be part of the UTA alumni community. Texas is home to many outstanding universities, and The University of Texas at Arlington is certainly one of them. My time at UTA gave me a strong foundation and prepared me well for the challenges of my career.