Civil Engineering Technology Alumnus Promoted to President of Engineering and Surveying Firm Alumni Profile
Meet William Utzman, PE, CPESC
- Job Title & Employer
- President, Morris Knowles & Associates, Inc.
- Major/Program
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Graduation
- August 2000
- Hometown
- Jeannette, Pa.
- High School
- Jeannette Senior High School
- Now Living In
- Hempfield Township, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
Beachbody high impact training, jogging and avid pistol shooting
"From the time that Bill started with us, I found that he not only had great technical abilities, but he also had the skill to keep the clients and employees satisfied — and he understood the importance of both. Bill’s technical and communication skills learned at Point Park University and enhanced by real-world experience, gave him the background needed to move into a position as the president and lead the firm on our journey forward. I’m looking forward to enjoying my retirement while also watching how far he can take it."
"Point Park's civil engineering technology program requirements matched real-life problems and solutions. The program better prepared me in advancing my engineering career ... When I started at Point Park I was a cadd/drafting technician and have since worked my way to president of a multi-million dollar civil engineering and surveying firm. Point Park did something right."
How has your civil engineering technology degree from Point Park helped shape your career?
After earning an associate’s degree from Triangle Tech and working in the civil engineering business, I discovered that Point Park's civil engineering technology program requirements matched real-life problems and solutions. The program better prepared me in advancing my engineering career.
Tell us about your key responsibilities as president of Morris Knowles & Associates, Inc.
I oversee staff, mentor staff, perform client management duties, attend evening public municipal and sewer authority meetings, prepare budgets and supervise office operations.
What are your favorite Point Park memories?
My three favorite memories are Professor Kudlac’s Rock and Mineral exam, surveying "The Point" in Pittsburgh and enjoying the city and Downtown campus environment.
What career advice do you have for our engineering students?
Never give up. Quitting is the easy thing to do. Roll up your sleeves, get to work and the rewards will come.
Final thoughts?
Point Park’s engineering programs for adult students cannot be understated. Attending Point Park part time while working in the civil engineering industry was very important to me.
Having had experience in the industry and after getting to know the professors, I knew they had the knowledge to push me. The smaller class sizes and the ability to have one-on-one time with the professors was key in keeping me motivated. Dr. Garson was truly the best professor who prepares students for real-world work. To this day, I require what he requires for homework assignments.
When I started at Point Park I was a cadd/drafting technician and have since worked my way to president of a multi-million dollar civil engineering and surveying firm. Point Park did something right.