At its July 3, 2020 board meeting, the Board of Licensure elected its new executive leadership team. As of July 1, 2020, Richard Thomas Tolbert, PS, Sarah Tracy, PE and William "Bill" Mitchell, PE/PS began their terms as Board president, vice president and secretary, respectively. For members Tolbert and Mitchell, this is their second terms as part of the executive leadership team while Mrs. Tracy is both the first woman to serve on the Board as well as to be part of the board executive team.
The Board of Licensure recognized Mrs. Tracy for her service to the board on June 23, 2020 in celebration of International Women in Engineering day. Here's a recap of some of the information we shared via our social media posts on that day:
Biography
Board member Sarah Tracy, P.E. is a 1993 graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Biological Engineering. She is a Professional Engineer licensed in the State of Mississippi since 1998 and currently works for the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. She is the first woman to serve on the Board of Licensure and on July 1, will begin her term as the Board Vice President.
Check out our conversation with Sarah below:
1. Why did you choose engineering?
“Math and science, especially biology, were my favorite subjects in school. So, engineering was a natural choice for me. When I actually began my engineering classes, I saw just how wide open the field was and that there was a wide variety of opportunities for anyone willing to put in the work.”
2. What does it mean to you to serve on the Board of licensure?
“One of the best things about serving on the Board is that I have the opportunity to serve my fellow engineers and the public while also promoting and developing the professions of engineering and surveying. While I am not a surveyor by either education or experience, I have a deepened appreciation of the profession after working with several excellent surveyor members, both past and present.”
4. In your upcoming term as Board VP; what would you like to see the board accomplish moving forward?
“I hope to see the Board continue its efforts to promote and protect licensure and accountability in our professions and encourage licensure in more disciplines of engineering. I also would like for the Board and our staff to continue the strides we've recently been making in improving our communications with licensees and the public at large.”
5. What advice would you give to your younger self (HS grad, college grad, etc)
“To myself as a high school grad, I'd say, "You're on the right path. Keep going!"
“To myself as a college grad, I'd again say, "You're on the right path. Keep going!"
“Engineering is not an easy major or an easy job. However, I've felt very rewarded by my career thus far. My service to the citizens of Mississippi has been very fulfilling.”
6. What would you say to young people, particularly girls and children of color who might be interested in STEM careers such as engineering or surveying?
“During my first few years in college, I can't tell you how many upperclassmen would say, "oh, pre-business" with a knowing nod when I told them that I was an engineering major. So, I'd tell young people to not listen to the detractors and instead focus on your strengths.”
“Cultivate yourself by participating in organizations on campus that will allow interaction with faculty and with other students outside the classroom setting and with graduates and other professionals already in the working world.”