A native of Nashville, Jay Wolverton ('84) earned a Bachelor of Science
degree in civil engineering at Tennessee Tech. After graduation, he held positions as a civil engineer/project manager where he worked with the design and construction of commercial, retail and residential projects. In 1989, he founded Wolverton & Associates, a regional, multi-discipline engineering firm providing high-quality design to clients.
A licensed engineer in 32 states, Jay's professional affiliations include the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Council for Quality Growth and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves in committee roles with ACEC (both at the National and State levels) and the Council for Quality Growth and is a champion for growth and development across the metro Atlanta region and state of Georgia. Jay has also served on the XL/Catlin Insurance Design Professional Risk Control Group (DPRCG) Board of Directors.
Jay and Ann, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business (MIS), live today in Atlanta, where they have 3 adult children.
What was it about Phi Gamma Delta & Theta Tau that caused you to pledge the fraternity?
From the moment I stepped in the house during rush you could tell the sincerity of the brothers and the chapter. It was just a great bunch of guys who were committed to doing great things during their college career and beyond.
What impact did your fraternity membership have on you as an undergraduate?
The experience really taught you so much about managing your time and resources. From the rigor of classes and the work/play with Theta Tau, you were constantly being challenged. That carried over well into my professional and family life and taught me to not only work hard but to also enjoy the moment you are in.
Why do you think Theta Tau remains an important part of Greek & campus life today?
Theta Tau is the gold standard by far not only on the Tennessee Tech campus but nationally. Year after year, award after award, they continue to push themselves. I am hopeful that drive is something that the early classes of Theta Tau instilled in the chapter and the legacy has grown.
What prompted you and Ann to support the effort to build a new house? And what do you hope your matching gift challenge to other graduates will accomplish?
Ann and I are at the point in life that it is about giving back. We have both been taught to “pave the way” for those to follow. Set the example that will continue for years to come. Giving back is one of the greatest gifts we have been blessed with. We simply hope and trust this will inspire others to support the chapter at the special time in our history.
Any final comments or thoughts that you’d like to share?
Thanks to my brother BJ Worthington for coaching the women’s intramural basketball team that Ann played on. He told me that I had better meet this girl and see what she was like. Thirty six years of marriage and three awesome children later, I can’t thank you (both) enough.
Many thanks to Ann & Jay for their generous gift. We are very grateful for their leadership in this exciting project for Theta Tau.
