Inducted
2023
Richard A Colebank, P.E., P.S. graduated with a BSCE in 1982 and an MBA in 1999. Both degrees were earned from West Virginia University. Upon graduation from WVU he began employment as a construction inspector for the US Army Corps of Engineers on the Stonewall Jackson Dam project. In 1983 he began work as a staff engineer with the firm of Charles C. Townes and Associates in Colonial Heights, Virginia. After gaining significant experience, he returned home to Morgantown in 1985 to begin working for the Architectural and Engineering firm of Alpha Associates, Incorporated as a staff engineer. Rick was privileged to work on many challenging and exciting projects while progressing from a staff engineer to a project manager eventually becoming a principal of the firm. He was promoted to President and COO in 1998.
Rick gained registration as a professional engineer in the State of West Virginia in 1988 and as a professional surveyor in the State of West Virginia in 1995. Along with his WV Professional Surveyor license, he currently holds professional engineering registrations in WV, PA, MD, and VA. In addition to his professional registrations, he is a certified private pilot and a Part 107 drone pilot.
Rick has worked on many significant projects including being the project manager of numerous projects over a 15-year period at the Morgantown Municipal Airport including rehabilitation of the main runway and construction of a runway safety area. He was also involved in the replacement of the Ices Ferry Bridge over Cheat Lake and the Greystone on the Cheat Development.
Rick was affiliated with the American Society of Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Consulting Engineers Council for much of his career serving as the State Governor for PEPP and the President of the WVACEC. He is a past Chairman of the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce and is a charter member of the University High School Foundation currently serving as its president. He is member of both the WVU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and WVU College of Business and Economics MBA Advisory Committees. Rick also serves as member of the board of directors for the American Red Cross, Central Appalachia Region.