(Frankfort, Kentucky – February 1, 2013) : Hensley is a Project Engineer specializing in roadway design, employed by EA Partners, PLC in Lexington, KY. “It is very humbling,” Darin states, “to be selected for such an honor is very encouraging.”
This award recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and to their communities over the course of their young careers. Darin is an active member of the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers (KSPE), and has previously served in many capacities. Hensley currently holds a leadership position within the organization. He is an alumni of the prestigious Leadership PE program that has received acclamation nationally for its leadership development principles.
Originally from Harlan County, Kentucky, Hensley attended the University of Kentucky graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering. Upon graduating, he began his career in earnest and first volunteered for KSPE, more specifically for Kentucky’s MATHCOUNTS program.
MATHCOUNTS is a middle school math program that helps to develop the future engineers of America. Darin has been involved in many aspects of the program, serving as Chair in 2008. “I find my work with MATHCOUNTS extremely rewarding. When I see the look on a parent’s face after we have presented their child a scholarship, well, there is not much that touches your heart more,” says Hensley. Darin was previously honored by KSPE for his efforts promoting the MATHCOUNTS program. In 2010, he received the Outstanding Contribution to MATHCOUNTS award and again in 2012, receiving the D.V. Terrell, PE Award for Superior Service to KSPE. Hensley had an active role in obtaining thirty-nine new scholarships, bringing the total number of scholarships that Kentucky MATHCOUNTS awards to seventy-two.
Hensley earned his Professional Engineering licensure in 2005 after passing a rigorous examination. He states that, “Obtaining my license was an important milestone in my career, one that I encourage all young engineers to seek.”
Hensley freely admits that this is not an individual award. “We work as a team. EA Partners is much like a big family, working together to effectively complete our projects.” Darin serves as Project Engineer to multiple roadway design projects for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Under his leadership, and through their team’s efforts, EA has successfully completed many projects saving the taxpayers of Kentucky time and money.
Hensley says he could not have done it alone, “ I must especially thank my wife Kim and my two boys Evan (5) and Cooper (2). They support me through the ups and downs and I dedicate this award to them. Thank you to my parents for always supporting me. Finally, thanks to God for his many blessings. They say it takes a village to raise a child, I thank all that had a part in my education and my lifelong experiences, I would not be where I am today without them.”
Contact: Marcie Fisher, KSPE, 160 Democrat Drive, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, 502-695-5680