Tim Kippen ('89, Engineering Technology)

Co-Founder & CTO (Retired), Diversified Technical Systems, Inc.

BS Engineering Technology, Cal Poly Pomona, 1989

Cal Poly Pomona wasn’t Tim Kippen’s first choice. He started at San Bernardino Valley College and Cal State San Bernardino, an intuitive choice as he lived around the area, but Cal Poly Pomona’s engineering, learn by doing reputation drew him further away from home.

Kippen took what he calls, “an eight-year path for a four-year degree.” He didn’t come from a place of wealth, so he had to pay his way through college, which meant working more and taking less classes over a quarter.

Much challenged Kippen in these eight years—he got married to his first wife in Cal Poly Pomona only to divorce 18 months later, his commutes were long, his classes often started either too early or late in the day and he needed to keep his head above water with part-time work. “There were many times when I felt like I couldn’t measure up and was disappointing myself and people I respected,” Kippen says.

But after eight challenging years, he graduated. He first started at TRW and then Mobility Systems & Equipment. The latter proved to be significant—he'd meet future business partners Mike Beckage (‘87, engineering technology) and Steve Pruitt. Together, they started Diversified Technical Systems (DTS) in 1990. What started as a side project became a global leader in life-saving advanced data recording solutions for extreme testing environments, like vehicle crash testing.

Kippen’s contributions at DTS spanned hardware, software, and systems design, culminating in more than seven generations of award-winning products used in automotive, aerospace, biomechanics, and military industries. As the company grew, his roles expanded to include leadership in engineering, operations, and technical support, fostering a collaborative culture of innovation and customer focus.

Looking back, Kippen says, “Failure will be your constant companion so make friends and don’t be afraid of it.  You will fail to solve the problem over and over before you finally succeed.”