Contact Us

College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
EERB 401 | Department 3295
1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-4253
E-mail: enginfo@uwyo.edu

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Facebook  College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Instagram  College of Engineering & Physical Sciences Youtube  College of Engineering and Physical Sciences LinkedIn


William G. Lapsley

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES


2024 CEPS DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER AWARD

William G. “Bill” Lapsley was born and raised in New Jersey. After high school graduation (with honors) he entered the UW College of Engineering in 1966. Lapsley completed the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program over eight consecutive semesters while competing on the UW men’s
varsity soccer team.

After graduation from UW he entered the workforce as a junior engineer at the Los Angeles (Calif) Flood Control District. He ascended the ladder of responsibility along with gaining licensure in California as a Professional Engineer. After the record level earthquake in 1971, he was selected by the District’s Chief Engineer to join a small group of engineers to investigate the stability of their 14 large flood control dams. This was the beginning of his 54-year engineering career.

An opportunity presented itself for Lapsley to relocate his family from California to North Carolina in 1974. He joined the staff of the City of Hendersonville, NC, Water and Sewer Department administration and became the director of the water and sewer system operations, management and capital construction. He acquired his professional
engineering licensure in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. 

image of william lapsley

During a seven-year period with the city he actively engaged in the activities of the NC Section American Water Works Association, NC Water Environment Association, and eventually served as the Statewide Chairman of its Board of Directors. He was known by his peers in the water and wastewater industry as a leader and a resource on system design and management.

In 1985, he decided to establish his own private consulting firm in Hendersonville, William G. Lapsley & Assoc., PA. Under his leadership the firm became a prominent engineering consultant for local government, private land developers, industrial clients and others throughout Western North Carolina. For over 30 years, his consulting career had a significant impact on the economic development of Western North Carolina, such as residential developments with hundreds of homesites, golf course developments, commercial shopping centers, large box stores, and new
industrial development sites throughout the region.

Lapsley’s engineering career was supplemented by an extensive integration of public service on more than 17 different community organizations. He served as a Board Member and Board Chairman for such groups as: 

  • Rotary Club
  • Four Seasons Hospice
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Board of Health
  • Partnership for Economic Development
  • Board of Social Services
  • Regional Water Authority
  • Metropolitan Planning Org. (Trans.)
  • Metropolitan Sewerage District
  • Pardee Hospital

After a 54-year engineering career Lapsley sold his successful business to two of his younger engineering staff members and retired. That did not last long as he was called by his community to serve as an elected official on the Henderson County Board of County Commissioners. He is currently serving in his third 4-year term. This included a 2-year term as the Board Chair. During his nine years of service, so far, the Board has turned to Lapsley for guidance in over $200M of capital construction. His negotiations on behalf of the County with consulting engineers, architects
and contractors have saved the taxpayers over $1M in fees.

During his long career of engineering and public service Lapsley has been recognized with several awards including:

  • Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award
  • Partnership for Economic Development – Partner Award
  • Chamber of Commerce – Cantrell Award for Economic Development
  • Regional Intergovernmental Relations Award
  • Top 50 Community Leader Award

Contact Us

College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
EERB 401 | Department 3295
1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-4253
E-mail: enginfo@uwyo.edu

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Facebook  College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Instagram  College of Engineering & Physical Sciences Youtube  College of Engineering and Physical Sciences LinkedIn