Sublette County

Abram "Abe" Pearce

Director of public works, Town of Pinedale

UW degrees: Bachelor’s in civil engineering (2012), Master’s in civil engineering (2013)

Abe is a former high school assistant basketball coach who is currently involved with youth basketball programs and is active in his church.

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How did your experience at UW prepare you for your career and role in your community?

“The College of Engineering and Applied Science taught me to dig for answers and to work hard to achieve my goals. An engineering degree is not easily acquired, and although the book knowledge taught in each class is important and necessary, the deeper ability to know how to study hard, find answers to tough questions, and collaborate with superiors and peers has proven to be even more useful. I met some incredible people, both faculty and students, who encouraged and mentored me throughout my time at UW. Collectively, I came out with the tools to have a successful career and to better understand the value of investing in other people as others had invested in me.”

 

Why should Wyoming students attend their state’s university?

“College is very much a business decision. As such, attending UW was possibly the best business decision I have ever made. My decision to attend UW allowed me to receive a quality education at an affordable cost. I have been able to use my education to find a job that allows me to provide for my family without the added stress of paying off bills toward that education for years to come.”

 

What does it mean to you to be a UW Cowboy?

“There is a piece of advice I received from a fellow UW Cowboy shortly after I began practicing engineering. As an engineer, you are met with new problems every day. I do not particularly remember the challenge or problem that had me discouraged one day when a mentor stated, ‘We do not have problems here; we have solutions.’ This piece of advice has stuck with me ever since and summarizes what it means to be a UW Cowboy. A Cowboy will face challenges head-on, understanding the problem, but not dwelling on it, and focusing instead on finding the solution.”

 

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