Corps engineer at Vicksburg named Engineer of the Year - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

VICKSBURG, Ms., (KNOE 8 News) - The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has selected DeAnna Priestwood for the Young Engineer of the Year Award. Priestwood serves as chief of the river stabilization section of the engineering and construction division at the Corps' Vicksburg District.

She is responsible for directing, supervising, and providing guidance and technical advice to three engineering interns and four senior engineers in activities associated with the Mississippi River, Red River/J. Bennett Johnston Waterway, Mississippi Delta Headwaters, and other District properties. She is a consultant for matters concerning navigation, flood control, and bank stabilization.

Priestwood was selected for the award not only for her expertise in the field of engineering, but also for her continuing promotion of engineering, science, and technology. She teaches engineering classes at the Corps' Engineering Research and Development Center. She further encourages the advancement of the civil engineering profession through her teaching and mentoring to students at local school districts and the Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations.

The Award is presented to a member of ASCE who is 35 years of age or younger who advances the profession, exhibits technical competence, high character and integrity, and contributes to public service outside their professional careers.

She received the 2011 Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service for her design efforts involving the Mississippi River 2011 Flood of Record.

Priestwood, a native of Vicksburg residing in Clinton, is a graduate of Porters Chapel Academy, and earned her civil engineering degree from Mississippi State University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Mississippi.

She is married to Craig Priestwood, and they are the parents of two children. She is the daughter of Larry and Jean Calloway of Raymond, formerly of Vicksburg.