UA Little Rock Student Builds Her Future in Civil and Construction Engineering
A fear of bridges is not the typical start to a career path in engineering, but for UA Little Rock senior Faith Shelton, that fear of “floating roads” is what started it all. From skepticism to curiosity, Shelton found herself laying the foundation for a future in civil and construction engineering.
Growing up, Shelton remembers staring out the car window, wondering how she was supposed to trust a structure suspended in mid-air. Instead of avoiding the question or bridges, she chose to chase answers. That early curiosity turned into a passion for how structures work and how they serve and shape entire communities.
As she stepped into her first class, she encountered a new challenge. Often the only woman in class, she became aware of how underrepresented women can be in STEM fields. Instead of turning away from what she had found a passion in, she chose to find power in that dynamic.
“My experience has been very unique both in and out of the classroom,” says Shelton, “As a Black woman, I’m a minority in multiple ways, so it’s easy to feel out of place. But I’ve also found many opportunities for people in my position and people who see and respect me as a fellow engineer.”
Shelton credits much of her growth to the faculty and mentors she encountered along the way, who invested in her beyond the classroom and wanted to build her beyond their own accomplishments. Their support and advice provided guidance in the moment and served as a foundation for future challenges. Her confidence continued to grow through her work as a learning assistant for the structural steel design course, where she learned to communicate complex concepts and stepped into a leadership role. It allowed her to mentor younger students and model representation in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Since her freshman year, she has also completed an internship every summer, gaining experience with the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, CDI Contractors, and the Arkansas Department of Transportation. Working across public and private sectors has given her versatility and a clearer vision for her future. These hands-on experiences align with UA Little Rock’s focus on career preparation and real-world learning, helping Faith build the skills and confidence needed to succeed beyond graduation.
As graduation approaches, Shelton says the experiences and opportunities she has received have given her a clear understanding of her career goals and how to navigate the engineering industry. She hopes to apply what she has learned to help design safer and more reliable infrastructure for the Little Rock community. Looking back, she is grateful for the connections she’s made and the foundation she’s built, and she encourages other young women considering engineering to trust themselves and their abilities. Shelton’s journey is just one of many at UA Little Rock, where the next generation of engineers, regardless of gender or background, is building stronger foundations for us all.
“As a woman, when you walk into a room, you already command a presence,” Shelton said. “People will notice you. Decide how you want to show up; don’t dim your light to make others comfortable. Let your confidence and your work speak for you. Engineering needs your perspective, your creativity and your voice.”