Message from the President

As we celebrate the 125th year of civil engineering at the University of Arkansas, we also celebrate the 42nd year of the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering (AACE).  In talking with some of our charter members, I learned that Dr. Walt LeFevre was the driving force behind forming the AACE.  Dr. LeFevre called a group of prominent civil engineers to Fayetteville to attend a basketball game and listen to his vision.  The charter for AACE was signed on July 1, 1980.  Per Dr. LeFevre’s vision, this group of 20 men committed $250 per year to assist the civil engineering students financially.  Additionally, they agreed to provide speakers to the students to share real world civil engineering experiences.

Since 1980, the AACE membership has grown to over 250 active members who have contributed almost $2,000,000 to student scholarships. Members have also been ambassadors and/or advisors to the faculty and students in the University of Arkansas Civil Engineering program.

In recent years, many members of AACE and the companies they work for have raised more than $3.5 million for the Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research and Education Center (CEREC).  The first phase of CEREC is now open, however, more is needed to complete this state-of-the-art research and education center. Full completion of CEREC will allow the University of Arkansas Civil Engineering program to attract students and retain faculty for generations to come.

As we look forward to the future, we will keep with Dr. LeFevre’s vision, and the bylaws created by the charter members.  Inductees must:

  • Be a graduate of the University of Arkansas Civil Engineering program for at least 20 years, and
  • Be nominated by an AACE member in good standing, and
  • Be approved by a majority vote of current active members

It is truly a privilege to be a member of AACE, and I am honored to be the 2022-2023 President.

Nicci D. Tiner, PE, PTOE
President
Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineers
2022-2023

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