In the world of engineering, few projects have the lasting impact and community significance of water treatment facilities. For Eric Dunn, a seasoned project manager at TOLM Group, this rings especially true. Graduating with a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Arkansas in 1998, Eric embarked on a career that has shaped vital infrastructure across Arkansas.
Eric’s journey wasn’t without its milestones. Despite beginning his career in 1998, it wasn’t until 2010 that he took his Professional Engineer (P.E.) test, marking a pivotal step in his professional growth. Since then, his expertise in chemical
engineering has uniquely equipped him to oversee complex projects, notably the Batesville water treatment plant.
Over the past 25 years, Eric has cultivated an impressive resume specializing in water and wastewater projects. His portfolio includes critical undertakings like the hazardous wastewater plant in Haskell, Arkansas, where his knowledge of chemical processes played a crucial role in ensuring safety and efficiency.
Before joining TOLM, Eric also spent years working in the oil and gas industry, where he tackled water challenges in energy production. His work in this sector involved overseeing projects for treating, recycling & disposing of water generated during oil/gas production. These projects demanded a deep understanding of oil/water separation, disinfection, large-scale treatment methods, and environmental regulations. He also designed a vacuum distillation system that was patented by Occidental Petroleum and is currently in operation in West Texas. His experience in the industry not only strengthened his technical expertise but also reinforced his appreciation for the overlap between engineering disciplines.
What drives Eric each day isn’t just the technical challenges of his work; it’s the profound satisfaction of transforming concepts into tangible assets that have served communities for decades. “Taking a project from nothing and watching it grow before my eyes,” Eric reflects, “to see it become a functional, enduring part of a community—that’s what motivates me.”
Beyond his professional endeavors, Eric finds solace and creative outlet in his home wood workshop and he also operates a small hobby sawmill. This passion for craftsmanship mirrors his engineering approach—meticulous, hands-on, and dedicated to quality.
As Engineering Week celebrates innovation and impact across all fields, Eric Dunn stands as a testament to the transformative power of engineering. His legacy is not just in the structures he builds, but in the communities he enriches through his unwavering commitment to excellence and service.