As the nation’s construction industry becomes more complex, with highly skilled managers in short supply, Ball State has created a center to prepare its students for the rapidly expanding field.
The university dedicated the technologically advanced and student-centered Robert G. Hunt Center for Construction Management during a ceremony within the recently renovated Applied Technology Building.
The 2,500-square-foot facility, which simulates the office environment found at major construction management organizations, is designed to foster teamwork, said James Jones, a construction management professor.
The facility’s primary use will be for the program’s capstone course, which focuses on students working in four-member teams on a construction project. Each team will have its own physical office space for the duration of the course.
Students will have around-the-clock access to the center to work on assignments.
Honoring a leader in innovation
The center’s name honors the program’s strongest supporters, Diane and Robert G. Hunt, ’69. He is a national a leader in innovation and excellence in the construction industry.
Hunt has been an executive-in-residence for two immersive learning projects at Ball State: the first, in 2010, focused on redesigning a transportation hub in Venice, Italy, and the second, in 2012, had students evaluate Hunt Construction Group’s brand image and develop a strategic brand image management plan.
He is the third generation in his family to head Hunt Construction Group as its chairman and chief executive officer.
Filling a need
Employment for construction managers is projected to grow 5 percent annually from 2014 to 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to expected industry growth, there will be a need to fill a growing number of vacancies due to baby boomers retiring.
Ball State’s program had a 100 percent placement rate in 2015, with recent graduates starting at an average salary of $53,000.
Source: Marc Ransford, senior media strategist, Ball State University