Board pulls application, appoints member to review transcripts after questions about qualifications

The State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors paused action on one initial licensure application and appointed a board member to conduct a transcript review after members raised concerns about the applicant's academic background and experience.

During consideration of non-appearance initial licensure applications, the board reviewed 20 files in its packet and approved them by motion 26-27 with one exception: Mr. Hickenbottom's application was pulled at the request of Board member Greg DeSart. DeSart said "his record shows two years of experience and it appears that he is claiming two years of experience for his doctorate in civil and environmental engineering," and noted the applicant's undergraduate degree is in wildlife ecology and conservation. DeSart and Ms. Purcell said that, in typical cases, applicants receive four years' credit for an engineering degree, two years for a master's or doctorate, and additional years for practical experience — and that, without an engineering undergraduate degree, the candidate may need two more years of experience to meet Nevada's requirements.

Board member Angelo Spata moved and Robert Fyda seconded a motion (26-28) to nominate Mr. DeSart to review and evaluate Mr. Hickenbottom's full transcripts and make a recommendation to the Board at its next meeting about any additional experience requirements; the motion passed unanimously with Michael Kidd not present for the vote.

The transcript does not record the applicant's first name, the exact coursework under review, or any final determination; the board's next meeting will include DeSart's recommendation and any resulting board action.