Michelle Crull
As a student in the University of Mississippi School of Engineering, Michelle Crull had no idea she would one day become a senior civil engineer at the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
“I had been to a summer math program at Ole Miss and loved the campus,” said the Bay St. Louis native. “After I received a Carrier Scholarship, I knew this was the place for me.”
Crull earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from UM in 1982 and 1985, respectively. She went on to receive her doctorate from Vanderbilt University in 1989.
“I have worked as an engineer since I received my BSCE, first during the summers and then full-time after receiving my Ph.D.,” Crull said. “I taught civil engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville before going to work for the Corps of Engineers.”
Crull recalls Kenneth Stead, assistant professor of civil engineering emeritus; and Samuel DeLeeuw, chair and professor emeritus of civil engineering; as being her favorite engineering professors.
“They were excellent teachers and they cared about us,” she said.
DeLeeuw remembers Crull as exceptional among his former students.
“Michelle was not only a talented individual, but she also demonstrated remarkable leadership abilities,” DeLeeuw said. “I always expected that she would succeed in her field, and she continues to surpass all my expectations.”
She is quick to acknowledge her Ole Miss engineering education has been instrumental to her career success and professional achievements. She reciprocates by being an active supporter of her alma mater.
“I’m a member of the Alumni Association,” Crull said. “I also contribute to the UM Foundation and the engineering school.”
Crull’s family includes her mother, Carolyn Gibson; father, Roger Crull; sister, Noelle Webb; brother, George Crull; and nieces, Elizabeth Horton, Jessica Horton, Grace Horton, Emily Crull and Hannah Crull. Her favorite leisure activities are being active in her church, reading, watching movies and taking nature photos.