From small-town Texas to leading one of the nation’s largest public works departments, Carol Haddock ’91 has carved a remarkable path in civil engineering. Now, as a professor-in-the-practice of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, she is imparting her hard-earned knowledge to the next generation of engineers.
“Carol brings an unparalleled wealth of experience and expertise to our department,” said Jamie Padgett, the Stanley C. Moore Professor in Engineering and chair of civil and environmental engineering. “Her leadership experience in the public infrastructure sector, coupled with her deep understanding of infrastructure policy and engineering innovation, will provide our students with invaluable insights. Even more, Carol’s dedication to public service and her ability to translate complex challenges into real-world solutions make her an exceptional role model for the next generation of engineers.”
For Haddock, she said the return feels like a full-circle moment.
“I’m still deeply invested in the city of Houston and its infrastructure,” Haddock said. “Coming back to Rice allows me to serve this community in a new way, combining my passion for public service with my lifelong love of learning.”
Haddock grew up in Uvalde, Texas, in a tight-knit community surrounded by a large and supportive family. From an early age, she was drawn to understanding how things worked and how to fix them.
“I was always building things, moving rocks in rivers to change the flow of water and figuring out how to make something work with whatever supplies or tools I had on hand,” Haddock said. “In rural America, you have to be resourceful, and everyone has to play a part. That’s where I first learned the value of service.”
She said her parents encouraged her natural curiosity and aptitude for problem-solving, predicting early on that she would become an engineer. She also grew up watching both of her grandmothers build their careers, a dynamic she assumed was the norm at the time. She said their dedication and resilience became a powerful source of inspiration, shaping her own desire to leave a meaningful impact on society.
Those experiences eventually led her to Rice in 1987, where she quickly realized the challenge ahead.
“Back in Uvalde, I was one of the smartest kids around,” Haddock said. “At Rice, I was surrounded by people who were smarter than me. It was humbling, but it pushed me to grow.”
While at Rice, Haddock immersed herself in campus life, playing French horn with the Marching Owl Band and actively participating in the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). She formed lasting bonds with faculty members, including the late John Elwood Merwin, a mentor who inspired her commitment to the field. Immediately after graduation, she worked for Philip Bedient, now the Herman Brown Professor of Engineering and director of Rice’s Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters Center.
Haddock’s career spans more than three decades, marked by leadership roles and groundbreaking achievements. In 2018, she became the first woman to lead Houston Public Works, overseeing a $2.9 billion annual budget and a team of 4,200 employees. Under her leadership, the department implemented innovative tools like the Storm Water Enhanced Evaluation Tool and managed critical infrastructure projects that prioritized equity across Houston’s diverse communities.
Her tenure coincided with major challenges, including Hurricane Harvey, but she said that experience left her with a newfound appreciation for teamwork and collaboration.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned during Hurricane Harvey was the importance of empowering others,” Haddock said. “You need to know when to take the lead and when to step back and let others bring their expertise and solutions forward.”
Haddock also played a pivotal role in negotiating Houston’s wastewater consent decree to upgrade the city’s aging wastewater system and in advancing flood mitigation efforts. Her earlier work with the Harris County Flood Control District included managing the $480 million Brays Bayou watershed project, which continues to be a cornerstone of Houston’s flood control strategy.
Beyond Houston, Haddock has left her mark on national infrastructure policy. As a Congressional Fellow for the ASCE and American Association for the Advancement of Science, she worked on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, contributing to the Water Resources Development Act.
“That year in D.C. was one of my coolest career opportunities,” she said. “It showed me the power of policy in making a tangible difference.”
Haddock’s decades-long career has bolstered her belief that engineers can and should step into leadership roles, including in the political arena.
“Historically, engineers have been taught to avoid politics, but my experience would argue the opposite,” Haddock said. “We need people with technical expertise at the table, shaping policies that affect our communities.”
As a professor-in-the-practice at Rice, Haddock said she is excited to bring her hands-on experience to the classroom.
“Civil engineering is ultimately about people,” she said. “Our field exists to support communities, and I want my students to understand the intersection of technical problem-solving, policy and public service.”