Mckenzie Bittner

I have been accepted to The University of Alabama for Fall, 2026. I plan to study Architectural Engineering with a minor in Construction/ Project Management.

I am thrilled to share that I was accepted to the Architectural Engineering Program at The University of Alabama and will be attending in the Fall of 2026. While looking at colleges, I wanted to find an engineering program that not only matched my strengths and interests but also challenged me. Many of the schools I looked at near home in Virginia offered typical civil or mechanical engineering programs. I wanted a school that embraced my long-term goals and combined the elements of architecture and construction with engineering. At UA, Architectural Engineering and Construction Engineering are two specialty engineering disciplines offered. It was a no-brainer for me—I quickly decided to become an official Bama fan. Roll Tide!

Come August, I will be stepping out of my comfort zone and driving 15 hours away from home to pursue the career of my dreams. What I was not planning on is the $60,000 cost of out-of-state tuition. I live with my mom, and she and my dad recently divorced. Although the past few years have been challenging, I am confident in my decisions and hope to make them proud.

One day, I want to be the woman in charge of designing and building spaces that will positively impact people’s lives and the communities in which we live. To me, it is not just the designing or building aspect that makes me passionate about this career—it is the opportunity to lead others to greatness. I want to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities, creativity, and foresight to inspire others. I hope to transform communities and develop sustainable, inclusive spaces for all to live, work, and play.

Since I was a young girl, I have always challenged norms. Back then, I thought it was a weakness. The fields of architecture, engineering, and construction have changed my perspective. It is okay to have a deep understanding of how electrical, mechanical, structural, and HVAC systems work together—how else can you plan, design, and build efficiently and safely? As a woman, I aspire to leave my mark as an architectural engineer. I plan to bring new perspectives, inspire collaboration within a team, and model resilience as a leader in the field I love.

Varsity Basketball, 9th-12th, Senior Captain
Elite Club Regional League (ECRL)- Soccer
JV/ Varsity Soccer, 9th- 10th
Best Buddies-student led friendship program for students with intellectual disabilities
Pink Club-Breast Cancer Awareness, selected as QB for powder
puff football game- juniors vs. seniors
ODSC Lil’ Kickers Soccer Program
Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program
Bergey’s Barn Yard
Harvest Assembly- Food Drive Volunteer
Young Life- Christian ministry nonprofit