B.S. in Civil Engineering, 1927M.S. in Civil Engineering, 1931Posthumous Induction Over 37 years as professor, program director and dean, Robert E. “Zeke” Shaver made immeasurable contributions to the University of Kentucky College of Engineering.
With over 28 years of experience in major bridge construction, repair and painting, David Houchin has held executive management positions, board membership and major ownership in over a dozen companies. He is an outstanding example of how engineering principles and business acumen can lead to a successful career. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1970 from the University of Kentucky.
For over 50 years, Skip Berry has poured his skill, talent and heart into the mission of Wehr Constructors, Inc., located in Louisville, Kentucky. For over 20 years, he served as president and chairman of the board. Today, he remains chairman of the Wehr Advisory Board of Directors. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1973 from the University of Kentucky.
Asghar (Oscar) Nosrati immigrated to the United States from Iran in January 1974—right after high school—with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to succeed. He initially took classes at the University of Louisville and Eastern Kentucky University before completing his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Kentucky. Believing a graduate degree would give him a competitive edge in the job market, Nosrati conducted research and authored academic papers on coal slurry pipelines while earning a master’s degree in civil engineering in 1982.
Rickey “R.D.” James is the 12th assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, a post he has held since his appointment in 2018 by former President Donald Trump.
With over 40 years of experience in engineering transportation design and development, Don Kelly is an outstanding public servant to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1965 and stayed to complete his master’s degree in 1967.
Edward G. Foree’s distinguished career included 12 years as an engineering professor with a prolific research group and 24 years leading a successful environmental consulting firm. A Henry County native, Foree enrolled at the University of Kentucky after graduating from Henry County High School as class valedictorian. After graduating from UK in 1964, Foree earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Stanford University, in civil engineering with an emphasis on environmental engineering.
David Servis has carved out a nearly five decades-long career in civil engineering. He has dedicated his career to Tetra Tech offices across the United States, a company he is currently semi-retired from. Servis, a New York native, earned an Associate of Science in 1972 from Jamestown Community College. He went on to the University of Kentucky to graduate with a bachelor's and master's degree in civil engineering in 1974 and 1976, respectively.
Eastern Kentucky native Rusty Justice has built a career based on entrepreneurial spirit, community involvement, and engineering know-how, all in the heart of the place he calls home. Justice earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in mining engineering and civil engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1983 and 1985, respectively. Following his graduation, Justice set out to utilize his education and practical experience to establish himself as an innovator in design-build solutions across multiple industries.
Pigman College of Engineering Spring 2025 Dean’s List
