Congressman Bruce Westerman will speak about being an engineer in politics from 2-2:50 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, in room 216 of the J.B. Hunt Building.

"We are excited to welcome Congressman Westerman back to campus," said John English, dean of the College of Engineering. "His insights on this topic are sure to be educational and interesting for students and faculty across campus."

Westerman (R-4th District) is from Hot Springs, Arkansas. He received a bachelor's degree in biological and agricultural engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1990, and a master's degree in forestry from Yale University in 2001. In 2012, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus by the U of A College of Engineering.

Westerman began his political career in 2009, when he served on the Fountain Lake School board as president. Later in 2011 Westerman moved to the Arkansas House of Representatives serving as a minority leader until 2014, and he is currently serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on the Budget, and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he is the vice chair of the Environment Subcommittee. Westerman also serves on the Majority Whip Team under the leadership of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise.