Freese and Nichols University (FN University), our in-house education and training program, continues our founder’s emphasis on education as a life-long process. Our employees can enroll in more than 150 classes ranging from communication and teamwork to software and technology, as well as quarterly Continuous Improvement lunch programs, project management certification, professional ethics workshops, and management training and leadership development.

In addition, our tuition reimbursement program gives eligible employees the opportunity to pursue approved college-level courses and degrees. We also support professional certification and licensing by providing reimbursement for exam application and fees, as well as spot bonuses and company-wide recognition.

The practices of Major Hawley laid the groundwork for the professional success and advancement of our employees. The value received from learning opportunities in the classroom benefits our employees’ professions and our firm as a whole.

Tradition of Quality Leadership

Under the leadership of President and CEO Bob Pence, P.E., BCEE, Freese and Nichols has embraced today’s success driven by quality leadership and continuous improvement. After Freese and Nichols received the Malcolm BaIdrige National Quality Award in 2010, Bob shared best practices and lessons learned via conferences, publications and even the radio throughout Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

At a corporate level, Bob has championed and expanded Freese and Nichols’ support for professional education, membership in professional organizations, development of papers and presentations, attendance at conferences, and involvement in community service. Bob’s leadership also reaches the Fort Worth community. He is a familiar presence in community organizations as past chair of the local United Way campaign, and he supports public education through efforts such as serving as co-chair of the Fort Worth Independent School District’s Stay-in-School initiative.

This year, Bob was recognized as the 2011 Leadership Fort Worth Fellow. In addition, he was honored as CEO of the Year for a Private Company by the Fort Worth Business Press.

As an advocate for education and community involvement, Bob has strengthened Freese and Nichols’ foundation of professional service and implanted a lasting impression on our company and the surrounding community.

Dedication to Professional Community

Freese and Nichols extends the benefit of FN University to clients through in-house classes and seminars. Our subject matter experts present relevant and valuable information on topics such as fluvial geomorphology, biological nutrient removal, municipal CIP funding and construction management.

Our firm founders were also leaders in the professional and regulatory organizations that now govern our professions. Major Hawley helped establish the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and our involvement in numerous organizations continues today. In addition to membership in local, state and national organizations, we encourage involvement in leadership positions to advance the fields in which we work. This year, 49 employees held leadership positions in professional organizations.

Freese and Nichols’ employees also share new practices and lessons learned on projects, often in cooperation with our clients, by contributing their time and knowledge through papers and presentations, where, annually, our employees contribute approximately 50 papers and presentations to local and national conferences.

The emphasis of giving back to our professions is a belief embraced in our culture and practiced by our employees. We believe that the amount we contribute outside our firm will benefit the future of our vocations and our leaders.