The Texas Surveyor - January 2022 - Magazine - Page 21
Featured Member
Nedra Foster Townsend, RPLS, LSLS
TSPS: How/why did you get into surveying?
Nedra: Silsbee is a small town with few jobs available. I went to work part-time for Darrell Shine in 1981 when
he needed extra help in organizing survey courses that he was teaching with Dr. Bob Turpin at Texas A & M. And
it went from there. As the years passed, I decided that I should work toward registration as a surveyor – which I
did and then moved on to the Licensed State Land Surveyor.
TSPS: Why did you join TSPS?
Nedra: It is the networking mecca for land surveyors around the state. Also, as a surveyor I don’t have the time
to pay attention to legislative actions that may effect my livelihood or method of doing business. TSPS provides
that very important service. As surveyors have joined with the Engineering Board, it mathematically follows
that the engineering issues will receive more attention than those of the surveyors; therefore, TSPS plays a more Nedra Foster Townsend,
RPLS #5502
important role than ever in providing insight into issues that may impact surveyors.
TSPS: What is your most memorable surveying moment?
Nedra: I have been privileged to be on the front-line of so many great surveying experiences that it’s difficult to pinpoint one. I’ve had
many of those ‘eureka’ moments when you find definitive evidence of the footsteps you are seeking. Those are the experiences that will
keep you surveying. I often think of Jerry Goodson’s favorite end of the day statement: “It’s been a good day surveying, boys!”
TSPS: What are some of your favorites:
Nedra: My love for my family and friends is the thread that weaves through all of my life – giving it color and texture. And speaking
of fabric – I do love to quilt. I began making doll clothes on my mother’s treadle machine before I could read. A lifelong enjoyment!
Check out Nedra at work and play!
The Texas Surveyor | January 2022
21
