From Curiosity to Construction: Adison Cummings on Finding His Passion in Engineering
Adison Cummings, a senior double majoring in architectural engineering and civil engineering, will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 17. A native of Texarkana, Arkansas, Cummings has made the most of his time at UA Little Rock through a mix of academic excellence and campus involvement.
He has been actively involved in several organizations, including serving as treasurer of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and as a member of the Donaghey Scholars Committee and The Forum during the 2023-24 academic year.
Cummings’ academic accomplishments include being named a winner in the 2023 Eisenberg Foundation National Real Estate Challenge and a runner-up in 2024. He is a member of the Sigma Lambda Chi Honor Society (2023), a 2020 inductee into the Donaghey Scholars Honors College, and was inducted into Tau Beta Pi in 2023.
Cummings’ shares reflections on his time at UA Little Rock, how his professors played a key role in his success, and offers advice for future engineering students.
What drew you to study Civil and Construction Engineering, and how has that interest evolved during your time at UA Little Rock?
I have always had an interest in how things looked and the way they were laid out, I just did not know how to classify it. As I grew older, I realized that was classified as construction, then learned about civil engineering. I was hesitant at first because I had no experience in construction, much less civil engineering, but now being on the cusp of graduation my interest has doubled.
At UA Little Rock, my interest has definitely developed due to some of the things the program has done. Whether that is jumping into design software, visiting batch plants, or jumping into labs. Never knew dirt could be so interesting.
Your team’s national title win at the 2023 Eisenberg Foundation Real Estate Challenge is such a huge accomplishment! What was that experience like, and what did you take away from it?
It was definitely surreal, and took a minute to register when they announced our name. We competed against some big name teams who have done this for multiple years. To hear them announce UA Little Rock put us on cloud nine. While we definitely did celebrate, we still looked for things we could change next year to improve and bring new things to the table.
You competed again in 2024 and finished as runner-up. How did this year’s challenge compare to last year’s, and what was your role on the team both times?
What was interesting about this year compared to 2024 was that not only did they change the location back to Chicago, but this was my third new team. I have done this competition for four years, and it is always fun to introduce new people to this challenge and the competition, especially since it is such a wonderful organization: The Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation.
Looking back, what are you most proud of from your time at UA Little Rock?
Definitely my time with the Eisenberg Real Estate Challenge. I have learned some much about not only construction and engineering but real estate and development. It has definitely expanded my worldview, and I have also made some great connections with individuals across the country.
What advice would you give to incoming students in the Civil and Construction Engineering program?
For any incoming Civil Engineering students, I would definitely recommend to start looking at the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam. Even though you need to wait until junior and senior year to take it, begin looking at what it requires, finding study materials, and get accustomed to the permissible calculators to really help you as it gets closer. Also, join civil engineering organizations and really track your progress when it comes to required courses and degree plans.
How did your experience at UA Little Rock help shape who you are today—as a student, a professional, and a leader?
UA Little Rock and its professors have definitely put me on a path to succeed whether that is through connections with community members and professionals or by providing me with an education experience where I was able to work closely with my professors. It has been a very rewarding and influential experience these last five years.
Written by Sydney Ambrus