Casey Pearce on a recent ExxonMobil field trip to Utah.
Just three years after earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, University of Mississippi alumna Casey Pearce is generously giving back to her alma mater.
“I had always intended to give back to the UM engineering school and the Woods Society was a great way to do it,” said the Pontotoc native, a reservoir engineer at ExxonMobil Development Co. in Houston, Texas. “During my time at Ole Miss, the engineering school gave me so much. Not only did I get a great technical education that led me to a great job; I always also felt cared about and part of a family.”
Pearce was an electrical engineering major until her junior year, when she decided she really wanted to be a chemical engineer. She wanted to make the switch but was worried about how she was going to pay for it.
“I had scholarships for four years, but changing majors would add at least another year, possibly two,” Pearce said. “Dr. (John) O’Haver (professor of chemical engineering) told me not worry about the money, and he let me in a required class in October so that I would only have to do one extra year.”
To pay for her fifth year, Pearce applied for some outside scholarships. Scott Kilpatrick, assistant dean of engineering, helped her find scholarships to cover the added expenses.
“That’s just one example of the many ways Ole Miss gave to me,” Pearce said. “My professors were always willing to help with difficult homework problems, give advice about a broken-down car, talk about career plans or anything else I needed. I wouldn’t trade my experience at Ole Miss for anything in the world and I will always remember my wonderful experience.
“I was happy to give a little something back and I plan to continue doing so.”
Pearce has asked that her money go toward student activities, such as Ole Miss Engineering Ambassadors or sending students to competitions and conferences.
“I would also love to see the career fair expanded for students,” she said. “I’m happy for the money to support any activity that will help students have the same awesome experience that I did.”
Pearce’s job entails making simulation models of the oil reservoir and working with other departments to develop plans for producing the oil. She’s worked projects in the Middle East and is working on a field in Russia.
“There’s been a lot of on-the-job training since I started at EMDC, but my Ole Miss education gave me strong engineering fundamentals and taught me how to think and solve problems,” Pearce said. “My professors taught us well and also challenged us, which serves me well now. I was able to really develop my leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills, which I use just as much as my technical skills.”
One of the most practical ways Pearce’s Ole Miss education has helped her is that her professors cared and took the time to give her a lot of “real world” advice, which she applies both on and off the job.
“I can still remember Dr. (Paul) Scovazzo (professor of chemical engineering) talking about the importance of investing in your retirement account from day one,” she said. “Dr. (Peter) Sukanek (professor of chemical engineering) told us to never trust a simulation model without verifying it, and Dr. O’s lessons on personal finance and priorities.”
Pearce works with people from some of the highest-ranked engineering schools in the country and they’re amazed when she tells them about the level of instruction and personal interaction she received at Ole Miss.
“I always thought I’d go to Mississippi State, not Ole Miss,” Pearce said. “My dad raised me to be an MSU fan, but my mom signed me up to visit Ole Miss and I just fell in love when I visited. The people in the engineering school and (Sally McDonnell Barksdale) Honors College were great, and the programs sounded exciting. I really liked the idea of a smaller teacher-student ratio, the campus was beautiful and I got some great scholarship offers.”
School of Engineering staff said they appreciate the support of Casey and other Woods Society members.
“We are excited about the new membership for this unique society,” said Kevin Gardner, development officer for the School of Engineering. “With each freshman class getting larger than the last, resources are necessary to equip our present students for the bright future ahead. Anyone with an interest or passion for a particular department or student activity can have their financial support directed for that cause.”
For more information about the Woods Society, contact Gardner at 662-915-7601 or kevin@olemiss.edu, or visit http://www.engineering.olemiss.edu/woods.