President's Message
It is a privilege to be a member of the Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors (Board). One of the most enjoyable aspects of serving on the Board is the opportunity to interact with other members. Two of the longest serving members of the Board, Mrs. Sarah M. Tracy, PE and Mr. Joe E. Lauderdale, PE, have recently retired from their service to the Board. Upon recommendation from this Board, they both have received emeritus status from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Their insight, wisdom, professionalism and dedication to the engineering and surveying professions in the State of Mississippi will be missed and we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for their many years of diligent service.
We would like to congratulate another Board member, Mr. Steven A. Twedt, PE upon his election as Assistant Vice-President of the Southern Zone of NCEES. His prior service on various NCEES committees and election to this position reflects his dedication and years of service to the Mississippi Board as well as the national organization.
The Board staff has been busy implementing updates to the on-line application and payment processes for both engineering and surveying licensure. Many documents and supporting information are now accepted via email. In addition, most payments are now accepted electronically. Most notably, licensees can now select and pay for retirement status on-line and schedule the Mississippi Section exam by appointment.
Two significant areas of Board outreach not widely known are the summer intern and grant programs. The summer intern program just concluded its second year and has been a resounding success. Initiated by the Board Executive Director, Ms. Monica Gilmore, engineering majors at Jackson State University, Mississippi College and Mississippi State University have provided valuable service to the Board while gaining a unique perspective on the value of professional licensure. The internship opportunity is extended annually to students at collegiate engineering programs in the State.
The Board has provided biennial grants to engineering and surveying programs within Mississippi specifically directed toward equipment purchase. Earlier this year approximately $400,000 in grants were awarded to programs at Northeast Mississippi Community College, the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University.
The second biennial renewal cycle is only a few weeks away. Hopefully, upgrades to the renewal software and on-line payment systems will improve the process. Additional improvements are already in the pipeline. Keep in mind that the current rules require specific continuing professional competency each year with some allowance for carry over. Please refer to rule 6.4 for the specifics as it applies to your license type.
Finally, thank you for your commitment to the engineering and surveying professions in the State of Mississippi. Please do not hesitate to call on us if we may assist you in any way.
Carey Hardin, PE
Board President 2025 – 2026
The Board is composed of nine (9) members - six (6) licensed professional engineers and three (3) licensed professional surveyors who are not licensed professional engineers. Board Members are appointed by the Governor. Each appointment is made from a list of nominees furnished by the Mississippi Engineering Society (MES) and by the Mississippi Association of Professional Surveyors (MAPS). Appointments are for a term of four (4) years, and each Board Member is eligible for re-nomination and reappointment. The Board shall annually elect the following officers: President, Vice President and Secretary.
Officers elected for the 2025 - 2026 fiscal year are identified below:
Board Members
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Board President
Carey Hardin, PE Starkville, Mississippi
Post 3, 3rd District, Northern
Appointment expires 07/01/2022
|
Board Vice President
Blake Collins, PS Brandon, Mississippi
Post 7, 1st District, Central
Appointment expires 07/01/2024 |
Board Secretary / Treasurer
Dr. Dennis D. Truax, PE Starkville, Mississippi
Post 6, 3rd District, Northern
Appointment expires 07/01/2017 |
|
Steven A. Twedt, PE Biloxi, Mississippi
Post 5, 2nd District, Southern
Appointment expires 05/31/2020
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Bill Mitchell, PE / PS Gulfport, Mississippi
Post 2, 2nd District, Southern
Appointment expires 06/30/2025 |
Patrick Martino, PS Biloxi, Mississippi
Post 8, 2nd District, Southern
Appointment expires 07/01/2021 |
|
Clint Tidwell, PS Ripley, Mississippi
Post 9, 3rd District, Northern
Appointment expires 07/01/2026
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VACANT Post 1, 1st District, Central
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VACANT Post 4, 1st District, Central
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Annual Budget request:
Information on the Board's annual budget request can be found on the website for the Mississippi Legislative Budget Office. In addition, you can also find the requests for all previous years.
You can access this information at the following link:
Annual Report to the Governor:
You can view the Board's latest report to the Governor (per MS Code § 73-13-19) below:
2025 Annual Report to the Governor