The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISEN) at Texas A&M University has recognized Jerrie Kertz ’83, an accomplished industry leader, with the 2025 Former Student Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to industrial engineering and the Texas A&M community.
“I’ve always been proud of what I’ve represented coming out of Texas A&M and the ISEN department,” Kertz said. “To be honored for what I’ve given back to the department and university as well as what I’ve accomplished in my career that it based on the education I received from ISEN – I’m very humbled and honored to accept this award.”
Kertz earned her bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and credits her education as the foundation for her professional successes. Throughout her career, Kertz worked in several high-level roles in telecommunications, including at AT&T, Southwestern Bell and SBC.
Kertz said her industrial engineering background played a crucial role in developing access networks, including innovations in fiber optics and wireless technologies. While she did not consider herself an expert in operations research, her degree provided the versatility to tackle a variety of roles within the company.
Getting my degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M was the best thing I ever did for my career because it provided me with such a great start – the learning part never stopped.
“I remember meeting with recruiters from Southwestern Bell early on in my career, and they told me that I had proven with the degree I had that I could learn, so they would teach me what I needed to know,” she said. “Getting my degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M was the best thing I ever did for my career because it provided me with such a great start – the learning part never stopped.”
She worked in the video business with DirecTV, served as a certified internal auditor and led compliance initiatives for various businesses.
"Every time I switched industries or functions, I found that my industrial engineering skills were highly applicable,” Kertz said. “The industrial engineering degree allowed me to be flexible because it touches on so many different areas of engineering that we were all trained on.”
After more than 18 years with AT&T, including two as Senior Vice President of Access Construction and Engineering, Kertz retired from the industry in 2024. She now lives in Texas full-time with her husband, Lionel Kurtz ’83, a fellow ISEN graduate.
Despite retiring, Kertz has remained active in the field, serving as a member of ISEN’s Advisory Council since 2011. In this role, she serves as a liaison between the department and the industry, helping to strengthen the connection between academia and real-world applications. She has also supported recruitment efforts, encouraging fellow Aggies to pursue careers in industrial engineering.
It’s not just about the degree; it’s about being an Aggie. The opportunities and connections I’ve had are a direct result of the incredible foundation I received here, which is why I think it’s so important to give back.
“It’s not just about the degree; it’s about being an Aggie,” Kertz said. “The opportunities and connections I’ve had are a direct result of the incredible foundation I received here, which is why I think it’s so important to give back. For any former students working in the industry right now, please remember you’re a part of a larger community, and it’s important to give back.
It’s not just about what you achieve; it’s about lifting others up as you go.”
Kertz advised current and former students to maintain an open mind when it comes to career opportunities.
"The degree opens so many doors, but you need to be willing to step through them and learn along the way," she said. "Don’t be afraid to take risks and take chances on things you may not know. It’s about continuous learning and growth."
Department Head Dr. Lewis Ntaimo presented Kertz with the award.
“Jerrie's successful career and her long-time service on the Advisory Council are a testament to her dedication to both the industry and Texas A&M,” Ntaimo said. “We’re proud to present her with the Distinguished Former Student Award in recognition of her remarkable contributions and lasting commitment to our university and future engineers.”
For more information on how to get involved within the department, visit tx.ag/PartnerWithISEN.