Jacqueline Pettway named American Society of Civil Engineers Fellow

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —

Press release from ERDC:
Dr. Jacqueline Pettway, deputy director of the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), has been elected a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

The prestigious milestone represents a distinction achieved by only 3 percent of the organization’s global membership and honors Pettway’s more than 30 years of service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); a career she says has been defined by collaboration and mentorship rather than individual achievement.

“When I look back on over 30 years of service, from early days studying complex computational fluid dynamics to supporting our incredible USACE workforce and helping shape the civil engineers of tomorrow as an adjunct faculty member at Mississippi State University, I am constantly reminded that no engineering milestone is achieved in isolation,” said Pettway.

Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation’s oldest national civil engineering society, representing more than 160,000 members in 177 countries. Members elected to fellow status are recognized for celebrated contributions and creative solutions that have enhanced lives.

“Being named an ASCE Fellow brings me an overwhelming sense of gratitude and humility,” said Pettway. “Representing the civil engineering community in this capacity is a profound privilege, and I am deeply grateful to my colleagues, mentors and the ASCE for their generous support throughout my journey. This honor is not a personal milestone; It is a direct reflection of the collaborative spirit, dedication and shared sacrifices of the exceptional teams, stakeholders and partners I have been privileged to serve alongside.”

During her time as a member of ASCE, Pettway has held numerous leadership positions for the organization. She served as governor-at-large for Region 5, director and president for the Mississippi Section and Vicksburg Branch, Mississippi Section chair of the Katrina Recovery Advisory Committee and Hydraulic Technical Committee, as well as president-elect and secretary of the Vicksburg Branch.

As the deputy director of ITL, Pettway helps guide a workforce of nearly 500 federal employees and 200 contractors. She supports an annual USACE program to enhance national infrastructure and engineering capabilities, prioritizing partnerships that span seven ERDC laboratories, 19 agencies and 17 academic partners.

These joined forces strengthen the collective capabilities of both ERDC and USACE, which remains a top priority on Pettway’s agenda.

“For me, this milestone is a humbling reminder of the power of partnership and the privilege of developing others,” said Pettway. “Throughout my career, whether bringing together agencies and academic partners to tackle water resources challenges, developing standardized engineering curricula or supporting the scientific community through technical reviews, my focus has never been on individual achievement but on strengthening our collective capabilities.”

Serving in leadership roles has allowed Pettway to act as a bridge for ushering in the next generation of engineering professionals, a goal she believes will empower USACE for years to come.

“To have a shared, service-oriented journey recognized with the Fellow designation is deeply meaningful,” said Pettway. “It reinforces the profound value of a career spent in service to our nation; not only in safeguarding our critical infrastructure, but also in actively investing in the growth, development and success of the peers, colleagues and students who will lead our profession tomorrow.”

For Pettway, this is not a final achievement but an inspiration to continue creating opportunities for others.

“This milestone is not a capstone, but a powerful call to action,” said Pettway. “It inspires my commitment to service, mentorship and the stewardship of the profession. Ultimately, this accomplishment inspires me to remain active as a volunteer and mentor, ensuring we continue to open doors, spark curiosity in young minds and build a foundation of support so the next generation of leaders can have an even greater impact.”