(March 16, 2011) - MLGW President and CEO Jerry R. Collins Jr. was recently honored with the Herff Honor Award for Distinguished Service in Engineering by the University of Memphis Herff College of Engineering.

Collins, a U of M engineering alumnus, was presented with the award at the Herff College of Engineering's 23rd Annual Awards Banquet on March 1.

This award is presented to recognize engineers whose professional and/or personal achievements have brought honor and distinction to the college and who have made significant contributions to the engineering profession.

Collins, a native Memphian, received a bachelor of science in civil engineering in 1975 and a master of science in civil engineering in 1976 from the Herff College of Engineering.

He has served as President and CEO of Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division since 2007. He is the 10th person to lead the utility.

Prior to MLGW, Collins, a registered Professional Engineer, was the City of Memphis Public Works Division Director. He has received numerous awards for operational excellence and efficiency in the field of wastewater management, and under his leadership the City of Memphis went 22 years without a sewer rate increase.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 423,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.