News from the Department

 

As the economy improves so does the number of applications and new students for both the undergraduate and graduate programs.  This coming year the department will have nearly 170 undergraduate students and 25 master degree students half of which will be taking the graduate program via distance learning technology.

 

In terms of full and part time faculty, Drs. Dennis Bausman, Christine Piper and Shima Clarke, Mr. Tony Wintz and Mr. David DeVita will be teaching their traditional courses.  With the retirement of Mr. Ray Schneider last spring, and the award of a new full-time faculty position by the university to the department, we are honored to announce the employment of two new faculty.  Dr. Joe Burgett received his PhD from the University of Florida and will be teaching courses in environmental systems.  Dr. James Smith received his PhD from Texas A&M University and will be teaching the estimating classes.  Both individuals have construction experience and bring with them a deep understanding of the new technologies being utilized by the construction industry which they will introduce and implement into their classes.

 

This year three student competition teams will compete in regional and national events.  Two of the teams – Design-Build (lead by Dr. Clarke) and Commercial (led by Dr. Bausman) – will compete in the regional AGC/ASC Competition in Atlanta, GA at the end of October.  The ABC competition team under the guidance of Dr. Smith will compete in the fall at the annual ABC Education Conference.  The Constructors Guild along with the DBIA, ABC, AGC and HAHB student chapters in conjunction with their sponsoring construction association chapters, are planning many events this coming year including the annual department golf tournament of October 18, 2013 – the Friday before the home Florida State football game.

 

The next Industry Advisory Board meeting will be held at Clemson beginning at 12 noon on October 17, 2013 at the Clemson House.  The meeting will be followed by a networking reception.  That evening beginning at 6 pm the Corporate Partners will be conducting their fall semester construction career fair and dinner for our students to learn about internship and permanent employment opportunities.

 

In forthcoming issues you will be provided more details of future department activities and events as well as interesting news about our students and faculty.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the department.  Finally, thank you to those of you who continue to support the students and faculty in the department in so many ways including making regular contributions.  We look forward to increasing our communication and collaboration with all of our alumni through this new website.

 

-Roger Liska (CSM Department Chair)