Taylor Endows Civil Engineering Scholarship

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Harve Taylor

The endowment will be worked into the already existing Civil Engineering Department Scholarship, the purpose of which is to provide higher education access to Arkansas high school students seeking a career in civil engineering. The Civil Engineering Department Scholarship is awarded annually with the number and size of the awards being determined by the selection committee. The Civil Engineering Program at the U of A is annually ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

Taylor cites the educational foundation and the career guidance he received at the U of A as the reason he is in a position to give back and help to provide the same foundation to future civil engineers.

“The business development and experiences over the past 54 years since graduation from the University of Arkansas have made it possible for me, in addition to my company’s business activities, to be very involved in various community activities such as the development of church facilities and developments related to several non-profit and public service entities," Taylor said. "I have found these contributions to be fulfilling, and I came to realize that my endeavors in work, business, church and community would not have been possible without the degree that I earned from the University of Arkansas. The opportunities that I experienced in contributing to community organizations is what has inspired me to give back to the extent that I can, to contribute toward the pursuit of a degree in civil engineering for students in the future."

After receiving his degree from the U of A, the Clarksville native began his five-decade career working in the construction and engineering department for the southeastern marketing region of Exxon Company, USA. Taylor would later return to Arkansas in the 1970s, becoming Walmart’s first vice-president of Engineering and Construction. Since 1980 Taylor has operated his own commercial building and development company. Taylor was inducted into Chi Epsilon, the national honorary civil engineering fraternity, during his time on the Hill, and remains a current member.

About the Department of Civil Engineering: The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Arkansas was established in 1897 when the College of Engineering made clear the separation of civil and mechanical engineering degrees. The department maintains accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and ranks in the top 10% of civil engineering schools nationwide according to Best Engineering Schools. The department earned $2.7 million in research awards in fiscal year 2020 while our graduates earn a starting salary averaging $68,000. To learn more about the Department of Civil Engineering please visit our website.