By Charlene Chambers, Coordinator of Public Relations
Maci Moore's journey from Beebe High School graduate to accomplished Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) professional is a testament to the transformative power of education and determination.
Moore, from Beebe, embarked on her academic path at Arkansas State University-Beebe, driven by a desire to pursue a career that offered both challenge and fulfillment.
In 2023, she proudly graduated from ASU-Beebe with an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Aided Drafting and Design, laying the groundwork for her career using her CADD skills.
“My degree gave me a great foundational starting point. I knew going into this career, there would be a lot to learn but the knowledge I gained from school gave me the upper hand,” said Moore.
During her first semester, Moore began her internship as a civil computer aided drafting technician at Crafton Tull, which led to her current full-time position.
Moore said she chose ASU-Beebe because it was close to home and the community college experience was a better fit.
“I was excited to enroll in a program that would have a lot of hands-on training opportunities,” said Moore.
Moore said the smaller class size allowed for the extra one-on-one instruction and students were encouraged to work together to understand the material.
“My professors made sure that the students knew the quickest and most proficient ways to get the job done. Both Mr. Treat and Mr. Casey gave me the confidence in my abilities,” said Moore. “They were always willing to spend extra time ensuring that I understood the material. I loved the friendly atmosphere.”
Moore said the employee-owned Crafton Tull’s multi-discipline team offers expertise in areas such as surveying and planning, architecture and landscape design, civil and structural engineering, and project management.
“I am proud to now work for a company that helps communities with their professional surveying, planning and design needs,” said Moore. “I have always been inspired by community. I love getting to know other people, their stories, and their perspectives.”
Moore said she works alongside project managers and engineers using Civil 3D software to layout designs for projects and create detailed drawings.
“I assist on projects ensuring a clean set of prints are put together,” said Moore. “I also create cost estimates for clients, as well as working with utility companies to prevent possible delays or issues with the completion of a project.”
Moore said one of the projects she is most proud to have worked on, is the Aquatics Center Crafton Tull is designing for Conway. “It is one of the first projects I worked on, and have watched it unfold from the beginning. It is exciting to work on something that will bring community together,” said Moore.
“I originally began the CADD program for the architectural aspect that my degree would bring. But the more I delved into the program, the more I started to love all the material as a whole. Because of this, I am now in a field that designs parks, aquatic centers and much more and helps communities throughout Arkansas and beyond.”
Moore is also proud of her family, which includes her parents Nile and Amber Moore and brothers Julian and Jaxson, who is currently attending ASU-Beebe majoring in education toward a career as a coach.
“My mom has been my biggest supporter. She has always put her needs to the side for me and my brothers. She believed in me and encouraged me throughout my education,” said Moore.
Moore advised future students to not be afraid of asking for help.
“Your teachers enjoy being the ones to guide you. I will never forget how proud my professors were of me at graduation. Let that be you,” said Moore. “Believe you can do it. Know that you can. The only thing that will ever hold you back will be yourself. However far away the dream seems, it will never get closer if you don’t put that extra effort in.”
Moore said one of her favorite quotes that has guided her along the way is by Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t - you’re right.”
ASU-Beebe Alumni Stories is a project of the alumni association with the goal of sharing and preserving the ASU-Beebe historical and educational experiences of former students.
If you are an alum and would like to share your story, contact institutional advancement at (501) 882-8855.
