Rep. Westerman honored with Distinguished Alumnus Award
Rep. Bruce Westerman, R- District 30, of Hot Springs, was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the University of Arkansas College of Engineering.
The award honors College of Engineering graduates who have provided leadership in their communities and achieved distinction in their fields of endeavor.
The 2012 Alumni Awards banquet was held April 21 at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers.
“Our alumni are one of our college’s biggest strengths and their accomplishments speak directly to the quality of our academic program. We are proud of all our alumni, but this group is a sample of our very best,” Ashok Saxena, dean, said in a news release.
Westerman completed his bachelor’s degree in biological and agricultural engineering in 1990. After graduating, he started his career as a plant engineer at Riceland Foods, and then transferred to Mid- South Engineering Co., a consulting engi- neering firm in the forest products, biomass, and renewable energy fields, where he works as an engineer and forester.
While working at Mid- South, he took a leave of absence to further his education at Yale University, earning a master’s degree in forestry in 2001.
He has been a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers since 1991 and was the chairman of the Arkansas section from 1999 to 2000. He has also served on the board of directors for the Arkansas Forestry Association.
He has served in various Hot Springs chapter offices for the National Society of Professional Engineers, and was nominated for the Arkansas Engineer of the Year Award in 2002. In 2005, he earned the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the University of Arkansas College of Engineering. He is a charter member of the Arkansas Academy of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, and served as chairman of the academy in 2009.
Westerman has served as president of his local school board and as a state representative since 2010. He was elected as the House Republican Leader in 2012.