FMU Graduate McCray Poston Prepares for Career in Engineering

A lifetime connection to Francis Marion University has come full circle for McCray Poston. From attending summer camps on campus as a child to enrolling in dual enrollment courses in high school, Poston’s path to graduation has been years in the making. Now, the Pamplico, South Carolina, native has earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the university where he has long felt at home.

For as long as he can remember, Poston has wanted to be an engineer. Naturally drawn to problem-solving, his interest in the field was solidified while taking an engineering course in high school. Today, he cannot imagine pursuing any other career path.

“I have always liked figuring out how things work,” Poston says. “Industrial engineering stood out to me because it focuses on the entire process, from start to finish, and emphasizes the big picture.”

When it came time to explore his options for college, Francis Marion was at the top of his list. He was drawn to its ABET-accredited engineering program, as well as the small class sizes that would allow him to build meaningful relationships with his professors. The university’s strong sense of community also played a key role in his decision.

Poston says the opportunities he found at FMU were second to none. In the classroom, he developed a strong foundation in engineering concepts and gained experience with programs like Solidworks. Outside the classroom, faculty encouraged him to pursue internships and helped him make valuable industry connections.

He completed two internships, including one with Thompson-Turner Construction, where he served as a field engineering intern managing project logistics. He also completed an internship this spring with Georgia-Pacific, where he worked on cost-saving initiatives for the paper plate manufacturer.

“It is so interesting to have a hand in a massive project and see it from start to finish,” he says. “My internships allowed me to do that.”

His senior design project further prepared him for the workforce. Partnering with Otis Elevator Company, Poston worked to improve processes for a vertical lift module – an automated inventory system designed to dispense parts.

Poston credits the university’s faculty with helping guide his success, particularly Dr. Lorna Cintron-Gonzalez, Professor of Industrial Engineering.

“There are so many incredible people at FMU, but Dr. Cintron-Gonzalez was one who just really encouraged me to put myself out there and go for opportunities. She cares about who you are outside of the classroom just as much as she cares about you as a student. She was always willing to help in any way, whether it was for an assignment or connecting me with people in the field.”

Beyond academics, Poston was highly engaged in campus life. He worked as a student manager in the University Center’s gym and game room and was a lifeguard at the pool. He also participated in a wide range of intramural sports and was part of a flag football team that won four consecutive intramural championships. Additionally, he was an active member of the engineering club, collaborating with peers on projects and study sessions, while building lasting friendships.

“FMU has such a vibrant campus,” he says. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time living on campus over the past four years. There is always something to do, whether it’s attending a sporting event or a Student Life activity, working out with friends, or spending time at the pool. The amenities are great, and the people you meet become some of your closest friends.”

Following graduation, Poston has accepted a position with Agri-Waste Technology, Inc., a full-service professional engineering and consulting firm in Raleigh, North Carolina. In his new role as a wastewater engineer, he will be based in South Carolina, conducting soil testing and designing wastewater systems for facilities across both North and South Carolina.

“Industrial engineering is such a broad field,” Poston says. “Because of that, I am able to branch out into a more specialized area like wastewater engineering. I’m excited to work both in the field and behind the scenes designing new systems.”

With his degree in hand and professional experience already underway, Poston is well-prepared for his next step as a wastewater engineer.