TUSCALOOSA, AL — May 2026 — HHB Engineers P.C. is proud to announce that its President, Barbara Hattemer McCrary, PE, has been inducted into the 2026 class of Distinguished Engineering Fellows by the Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering at The University of Alabama. The induction took place on April 25, 2026, at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Recognition as a Fellow is the highest commendation given by the College. In a celebratory message, Dr. Clifford L. Henderson, Dean of the Styslinger College of Engineering, stated that this honor is reserved for exceptional individuals whose accomplishments and steadfast support reflect the highest ideals of the institution, noting:
“The members of this year’s class embody the excellence, vision, and dedication that define our College. They have expanded the boundaries of knowledge, led with distinction, and contributed meaningfully to their communities and to the world. Through their representation of and engagement with our College, our Fellows have also helped elevate the stature of our College and inspired the next generation of engineers and computer scientists who will follow in their footsteps.”
McCrary’s induction highlights a distinguished engineering career spanning more than two decades. A proud two-time graduate of The University of Alabama, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. She joined HHB Engineers in 2006 after working for a consulting firm in Atlanta, and was named President in 2014, solidifying the now Tuscaloosa-headquartered firm as a prominent women-owned small business specializing in the design of complex mechanical and HVAC systems throughout the Southeast.
The ceremony held deep significance for the firm. HHB was founded 43 years ago by McCrary’s father, Tom Hattemer—himself a nationally recognized, award-winning engineer, UA Mechanical Engineering alumnus, and a Departmental Fellow for the UA Department of Mechanical Engineering. In receiving this College-wide honor, McCrary follows directly in her father’s footsteps of leadership and technical excellence.
In her remarks, McCrary reflected on her unconventional path to the industry—shifting from early NASA aspirations to a passion for HVAC ignited by an HHB college internship and the mentorship of UA’s Dr. Steve Kavanaugh. She noted the profound experience of watching her career come full circle on the UA campus:
“In grad school, I saw this campus from the seat of Dr. Kavanaugh’s solar-powered golf cart. Today, my view is usually from the rooftops of these campus buildings—overseeing the very systems I once studied. It is a rare and humbling experience to look down at this university and know that my father’s legacy and my own work are woven into its skyline. From designing the systems for the 2020 Bryant Denny Stadium expansion to the dozens of projects we’ve completed here before and since, we are building a lasting legacy that continues to serve the University we love.”
McCrary also credited her success to a resilient foundation of lifelong family support, thanking those who have stood by her through difficult health struggles and periods of physical limitations. She noted how deeply meaningful it was to share the induction ceremony in person with her husband, parents, and extended family, all of whom have been vital to her journey.
Reflecting on the engineering philosophy handed down by her father, McCrary shared:
“My dad taught me that our work isn’t just a set of specs; it’s our goal that these systems will remain reliable long after we’re gone. He knew that by building for the long term, we are creating the invisible infrastructure that allows a community to gather, to cheer, and to thrive. Carrying the torch of the firm he started has been the greatest professional honor of my life. This award isn’t just for me; it is for everything he did to pave the way ahead of me.”
In closing, she remarked
“Thank you Dean Henderson and the College of Engineering for this honor, thank you University of Alabama, and as always… Roll Tide!”
To read the official University of Alabama announcement, visit the UA News Center, and the SCOE Fellows Event page for a complete biographies of all six inductees from this class. For more information about HHB Engineers, visit www.hhbeng.com.
