Leaving England with her parents and sister, Fiona McCracken looked out the window as the plane took off from the tarmac which would eventually lead to a new home in San Antonio, Texas. She was excited about heading to a new country where her father had joined the faculty of the University of Texas Medical School.
As a senior in high school, Fiona found herself on the brink of another transition as she prepared to take the next step in her education by attending Texas A&M University. She was attracted to Texas A&M’s reputation for strong academics. At the time, she did not know how many ways Aggieland would shape her future.
“I realized the Aggie Core Values resonated with me, and I knew the university would allow me to grow academically and as a person,” Fiona recounted.
Determined to make the most of her time in Aggieland, Fiona took advantage of opportunities and experiences to help her enhance her academic and personal growth. She joined the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and she served as resident advisor and subsequently, head resident of Briggs Hall. Her involvement didn’t pause over the summers; she was a Fish Camp counselor for three summers, where she made many memories and friends.
Although these experiences were outside the classroom, they were just as fundamental in shaping her career path. Fiona’s involvement in ASCE fostered her lifelong passion for professional societies, and her role as head resident prepared her for future leadership roles.
“The connections I made through the Aggie Network opened doors to my first job,” she said. “The people skills I learned as a resident advisor and head resident helped me step into my first supervisory role.”
After obtaining her civil engineering degree, Fiona began her career. She began as a consulting engineer, preparing her to transition to roles in public service. She worked for the City of Arlington, Texas, retiring as deputy city manager in 2011. Her career then took her to Trinity River Authority, where she served as Northern Region manager before retiring again in 2019.
Now, she is a part-time senior advisor at HR Green, Inc. This opportunity allows her to continue her passion for water and wastewater management, ensuring a safe drinking water supply and proper wastewater treatment. “I am a self-described water and wastewater nerd,” Fiona said.
Fiona’s dedication to education does not end with her achievements. Inspired by her parents’ sacrifices, she wanted to give back to support the education of future generations. By endowing the Terry and Dr. Alexander W. McCracken First Generation Endowed Scholarship, she wants to ensure that first-generation students have access to the same opportunities she had during her time at Texas A&M.
“My father was a first-generation student in Scotland who lived at home, commuted to school by train, and had to work different jobs to help pay for his education,” Fiona said. “I hope this scholarship provides some financial assistance to students like my father so they can reach their goals.”
Outside of her professional life, she continues to give back. She serves as the Xi District Director for Kappa Kappa Gamma, giving back to the sorority she was a part of during college. Fiona is also a board member for Arlington Women Inspiring Philanthropy, a nonprofit organization that helps nonprofits impact their community. When she is not working or volunteering, Fiona enjoys traveling with her husband.
As a proud Aggie, Fiona remains tied to the College of Engineering, serving on the Zachry Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering Advisory Council and the College of Engineering Advisory Council. “It is so important for industry professionals to support higher education so that students receive an education that reflects what is actually happening in the real world,” she said.
For Fiona, Texas A&M was more than just where she received her degree; it was the steppingstone for her life. During her time as a student in Aggieland, she worked hard to create a foundation for a life filled with purpose. The endowment she established will give future generations the same opportunity to succeed, carrying forth the spirit of Aggieland.