Jay D. McRae first thought about enrolling in the civil engineering program at Oregon State University while observing road construction jobs with his older brothers. As the youngest of seven siblings, McRae believed Oregon State was the best choice for an engineering degree. Because he lived at home while attending classes, he was able to afford tuition and became the first in his family to earn a four-year degree.
While his backup plan was to be an art teacher and an athletic coach, McRae received his bachelor’s degree in 1983. He still loves art and applies the creative process to the engineering work he does today.
Jobs were hard to come by when he graduated, but OSU prepared McRae well to find employment after he finished school. Once established in his field, he quickly learned he was better suited to working with and leading teams rather than hands-on equipment operation. He has experience in planning, design, construction, and maintenance for both private and public sectors.
Thinking about the future of his field, McRae knows there will always be a demand for civil engineers to support community livability and economic vitality. “The first third of my career was about developing leadership and management skills to build and lead teams, completing projects on time with high client satisfaction,” McRae said. “Now I live at the intersection of strategy and execution. I really enjoy coaching executives, developing growth strategies, and supporting small- to medium-sized businesses in outperforming their goals while retaining their people and pursuing cultural excellence.”
McRae attributes his adaptability to his time at the College of Engineering. The college has placed itself on the forefront of research in resiliency while maintaining a flexible learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds. McRae appreciated the opportunity to excel individually while also a significant member of a team. He cherishes the skills he acquired in college, which remain essential for performing in his industry.
Degrees
- B.S. Civil Engineering, 1983