Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering Celebrates the Induction of 15 Esteemed Members

The Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering recently commemorated its 44th induction ceremony with great pride, welcoming a distinguished cohort of 15 exceptional professionals into its esteemed ranks. The ceremony, held on Friday, April 19, at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center, was a testament to the academy's enduring commitment to excellence in civil engineering.

Since its establishment in 1980, the AACE has been a beacon of inspiration and guidance for the civil engineering community, striving to foster dedication, provide mentorship and facilitate philanthropic support for the advancement of the discipline. The induction of these outstanding individuals underscores the academy's unwavering dedication to honoring excellence and shaping the future of civil engineering.

The 2024 Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering inductees are:

• Kyle Bennett: Aviation Project Manager/Geotechnical Specialist at Garver Inc., Fayetteville, Arkansas (University of Arkansas Fayetteville, B.S.C.E. 2001, M.S.C.E. 2005).
• John Cantabery: Regional Transportation Director/Vice President at Garver Inc., North Little Rock, Arkansas (University of Arkansas, B.S.C.E. 2003).
• Sarah Chitwood: Regulatory Division Chief at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Arkansas (University of Arkansas Fayetteville, B.S.C.E. 2002).
• Craig Christenbury: Chief Manager, Chris-Hill Construction Company, Memphis, Tennessee (University of Arkansas Fayetteville, B.S.C.E. 1987).
• Jeffrey Dehnhardt: Water and Wastewater Engineering Director at Engineering Services, Inc., Springdale, Arkansas (University of Arkansas Fayetteville, B.S.C.E. 2003).
• Stephen Frisbee: Assistant Chief Engineer for Maintenance at the Arkansas Department of Transportation, Little Rock, Arkansas (University of Arkansas Fayetteville, B.S.C.E. 1996).
• David Gambill: Structural Engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Arkansas (University of Arkansas Fayetteville, B.S.C.E. 1995).
• David Hall: Division Head of Surveys at the Arkansas Department of Transportation, Little Rock, Arkansas (University of Arkansas Fayetteville, B.S.C.E. 2001).
• Jason Hughey: District 4 Engineer at Arkansas Department of Transportation, Barling, Arkansas (University of Arkansas, B.S.C.E. 2002).
• Jessie Jones: Assistant Chief Engineer for Planning at Arkansas Department of Transportation, Little Rock, Arkansas (Arkansas State University, B.S.C.E. 2001, University of Arkansas Fayetteville, M.S.C.E. 2003).
• Ronny Loe: Vice President at Volkert, Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas (University of Arkansas Fayetteville, B.S.C.E. 1994, M.S.C.E. 1998).
• Blake Martin: Field Services Central Director at Garver, Inc., North Little Rock, Arkansas (University of Arkansas, B.S.C.E. 2003, M.B.A. 2021).
• Les Price: Director of Engineering Services at the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, Little Rock, Arkansas (University of Arkansas Fayetteville, 1991).
• Aaron Robinson: Senior Project Engineer at Bond Consulting Engineers, Jacksonville, Arkansas (Arkansas State University, B.S.C.E. 1996, University of Arkansas Fayetteville, M.S.C.E. 1997).
• Terry Yeager: Managing Director at Berkeley Research Group, Atlanta, Georgia (University of Arkansas Fayetteville, B.S.C.E. 1983, M.B.A. 1990).

The rigorous selection process for AACE membership emphasizes career achievements, professional activities and dedication to advancing the field of civil engineering. Each inductee represents the highest standards of excellence and serves as a role model for future generations of engineers.

In addition to honoring seasoned professionals, the AACE remains deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of civil engineers. The academy actively engages with students at the U of A, offering mentorship opportunities, hosting informative events like "Evening with The Pros" and providing scholarships to deserving students. During the business meeting held on Saturday, April 20, the academy raised $86,350 for scholarships in the civil engineering program at the U of A, further demonstrating its dedication to supporting aspiring engineers.

The AACE's dedication to excellence and innovation in civil engineering is complemented by its ongoing efforts to advance knowledge and solve real-world challenges. Through mentorship, networking and financial assistance, the academy continues to shape the future of civil engineering, empowering students to reach their full potential.

This year, the academy also recognized three outstanding undergraduate students for their academic excellence:

• Samuel Kolar — E. Walt Lefevre Outstanding Senior
• Lauren Johnson — Outstanding Junior
• Julie Jansen — Outstanding Sophomore

For more information about the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering and its initiatives, please visit their website.

About the Department of Civil Engineering: Established in 1897, the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Arkansas boasts a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. Accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the department ranks among the top 10 percent of civil engineering schools nationwide. With a focus on cutting-edge research and hands-on learning experiences, the department prepares students for successful careers in the dynamic field of civil engineering. The department's commitment to advancing knowledge and solving real-world challenges is reflected in its millions of dollars in research awards from regional and national organizations. Graduates of the program enjoy lucrative career prospects, with starting salaries averaging $68,000. To learn more about the Department of Civil Engineering and its offerings, please visit their website.