Sandra Knight, Civil Engineering Alum

Degrees
BSCE (1980)
PhD (1996)

Current Residence
Washington, DC

Current Employer
Recently retired.
Former owner, WaterWonks LLC,
Former senior executive at 3 federal agencies- FEMA, NOAA, USACE

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering?
Honestly, I grew up in Memphis and hoped I would go out of state to a liberal arts school.  But when I landed at Memphis and then in Engineering, I surprised myself at my aptitude for engineering,

How did Herff prepare you for your career?
My engineering degrees opened doors professionally that I never imagined possible for someone who grew up in my social setting.in Memphis.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career?
Perseverance and a sense of self worth.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why?
Dr.Segui.  He patiently answered all my questions and treated me respectfully.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)?
SWE, ASCE, Tau Beta Pi

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal?
Perhaps the hardest question.  I had a partial scholarship, but I was working while going to school as a waitress.  As I approached graduation, I knew I needed to finish college to secure a more permanent job and future.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff?
There are many things that come to mind, but in general, just how hard it was to excel in an extremely hard curriculum while also working.  It was stressful and there were very few people on my circle that could understand and provide support.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?
An engineering degree is hard but will contribute to society and provide personal benefits and satisfaction for the  rest of your life.  Herff College offers an accredited engineering program that can set you up for success.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff?
That I am worthy and I am capable and I can compete with the best.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?
I am grateful to have landed in the Herff college and  have been provided a scholarship while in school.  I wish I had sought out advocates early in the journey as the curriculum was hard and I may not have been as prepared as others who started the program out of high school.