Ronald E. Smith, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
Technical Region Director Candidate

Vision Statement

The aspirational vision of ASCE is set forth in The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025, and I am in full agreement with this document. In summary, Vision 2025 notes that, “civil engineers will serve as master builders, environmental stewards, innovators and integrators, managers of risk and uncertainty, and leaders in shaping public policy.” Our job in the near-term is to set directions that will put us on a path to achieving these goals. These directions will take the profession along two paths; one focused internally, that better prepare civil engineers to accomplish these roles, and the second, focused externally, that educates society as to why they should rely on civil engineers to serve in these critical roles.

In my opinion, it is the external focus where we need to concentrate much of our effort. Said differently, even today the civil engineering profession is far more capable than society gives us credit for being. The opening words of Vision 2025 are, “Entrusted by society ... ” Building such trust is a work-in-progress. Building that trust primarily revolves around Cannon 1 of our Code of Ethics, namely to, “hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public” and to “strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development ... ” This is the obligation civil engineers owe the public for allowing us to practice our profession. We must continue to emphasize that when we speak out on professional issues it is as society’s trusted advisors, not as a self interest group.

Looking internally, we need to improve civil engineering education, both the technologies and the skills of presenting our positions. Today’s four year education program is not adequate for entry into our profession. Engineering graduates, even those with advanced degrees, need to learn why and how to keep current in a rapidly changing world. But just as important is that they have a strong grounding in the ethics that define our profession. Much of that ethics education must come from practicing professionals who present the practice to students in the context of ethical responsibilities.

Our near-term vision must reflect both the old and the new. The old is the bedrock concept of ethical responsibilities that entrusts us to act on behalf of society. The new is the search for better ideas for solving society’s civil engineering problems.

The above statement appears as it was submitted to ASCE by the nominee. No revisions have been made to the statement by ASCE.