Maverick Engineering Social Media

Board of Advisors Member

Michael G. Morrison, P.E., BCEE – Planning a Course

Mike Morrison has over 30 years of practicing design experience in both water and wastewater engineering. A vice president with Freese and Nichols, he oversees water and wastewater utilities design. He has authored numerous related papers in his field and is a contributing author to a national textbook, Wastewater Treatment Plants, with Civil Engineering Professor Syed R. Qasim.

“My passion for the past 38 years has been advancing the knowledge in water supply and promoting awareness of water needs in Texas,” Morrison stated. “The population of Texas is expected to more than double between 2000 and 2060, meaning the demand for water is expected to increase to 21.6 million acre-feet in 2060. That’s roughly 19 billion gallons a day! At the same time, existing water supplies are estimated to decrease to 14.6 million acre-feet. Texas is going to need an additional 7 to 9 million acre-feet of water supply by 2060.”

“I have been fortunate to be a part of an engineering firm that is working on both traditional and non-traditional approaches to meet this water shortage,” he continued. “Water is the economic life of Texas and it has been my privilege to be a part of helping to meet Texas’ water needs.”

Mr. Morrison earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering at UT Arlington and continues to play a part in College of Engineering activities. He has taught water and wastewater treatment courses at the graduate-level and in the Short Course Series for industry professionals. He was chairman of the College of Engineering’s Advisory Board from 2004 to 2006.

“I’ve always thought that the only thing worse than training an employee and losing him is not training him and keeping him,” he observed. “I teach because of two basic reasons: First, I enjoy teaching and, second, it has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. As an employer of engineering graduates, I strongly support UT Arlington’s emphasis on supplying a highly-qualified engineering work force while also expanding its engineering research programs. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the teaching staff and working with such an outstanding facility.”

Mr. Morrison is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas and nine other states, a diplomate of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and a Board Certified Environmental Engineer. He is active in numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Environmental Engineers (State of Texas Chief Examiner, 2002), the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Water Works Association, the American Membrane Technology Association, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Water Environment Federation, the Water Environment Federation Research Foundation, and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.

In addition to his participation in industry-related organizations, Mr. Morrison is also a strong supporter of local businesses. He is a member of the Beaumont, Cleburne and Colleyville Chambers of Commerce and served on the board of directors of the Johnson County Community Credit Union from 1992 to 2000.

“It’s important that the engineering community take a leadership role in giving back to the larger social community,” he said. “Our time, our talents and our service can make this place a better world in which to live.”