Department Newsletter | Fall 2023

Celebrating60+ YEARS OF

CO N ST R U CT I O N E D U CAT I O N at CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

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DEPARTMENT FEATURES 04 LETTERS FROM LEADERSHIP 07 MASTER OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT 09 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 12 EARN A PH.D. IN CSM 14 FACULTY FELLOWS 15 SUMMER SCHOLARS

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CONSTRUCTION SYMPOSIUM CAREER FAIR XL YARD SIGMA LAMBDA CHI STUDENT SPOTLIGHT FROM SIBLINGS TO CLASSMATES CORPORATE PARTNERS

Students in the Construction Science and Management program prepare for the big lift.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning is home to B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in construction science and management, the Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program and the Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) program.

The department currently enrolls 347 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. The construction science and management major boasts a 100 percent rate of job placement before graduation for the past five years.

Its undergraduate enrollment has more than doubled over the past five years The department bears the name of Michael Pennington Nieri, ‘86, owner and president of Great Southern Homes. In 2019, he and his wife, Robyn, made a Cornerstone gift of $5 million.

COLLEGE NEWS 10 COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, ART AND CONSTRUCTION 11 NATIONAL SEARCH FOR DEAN 22 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 30 STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES The Mission of the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning is to offer a comprehensive program of construction education, with scholarly and service activities, consistent with the mission of Clemson University and the College of Architecture, Art and Construction, and to improve the quality of the construction industry and thus the built environment.

ON THE COVER Students get hands-on experience in the Experiential Learning (XL) Yard (left, center) and network with industry professionals at Clemson’s 8th Annual Construction Symposium (right).

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Dear alumni, friends a partners of the departm The Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning wishes you a season of peace, joy, and comfort as we look back on a year of success and hard work but look forward to a year of bright possibilities. We are excited to announce the important milestone of 60+ years of offering construction education at Clemson University. Over the last 60+ years, we have continued to fulfill our department’s mission and vision by offering a comprehensive program of construction education with scholarly and service activities, improving the quality of the construction industry and, thus, the built environment.

We are also excited to announce that the new College of Architecture, Art and Construction (CAAC) was officially launched this semester. The new college provides a strategic focus and collaboration opportunities across multiple disciplines to strengthen our program further. The Clemson University Board of Trustees also approved our new Ph.D. in Construction Science and Management program, which was officially launched this semester. The department hosted another successful Annual Construction Symposium this semester, with over 200 industry professionals attending a day-long event of education sessions and networking opportunities.

Our department continues to grow steadily. Currently, we have 350+ students enrolled in B.S. M.S., and we are confident that we will have more growth in our programs in the years to come. Our undergraduate students continue to succeed in direct competition with their peers from other construction education programs. Our team was placed first this year in the Associated School of Construction (ASC) Commercial competition, which involved putting together a qualifications package and a formal presentation. We will also have students participating in the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) national competitions in the Spring of 2024. Along with classroom instruction, our students continue to receive hands-on field experience at the XL Construction Yard, thanks to the generosity of our industry partners. Our graduates continue to be highly sought after for internships and full-time employment opportunities upon graduation. We will also continue our K-12 outreach efforts by offering a summer camp to high school students in the Summer of 2024.

Faculty and Staff

and ment, We are excited to announce the two new additions to our team this semester. Our new tenure-track faculty, Dr. Jong Han Yoon, brings a unique skillset and expertise in blockchain and technology in the construction industry. Mr. Kirk Bingenheimer, a new full-time lecturer, brings years of industry experience into the classroom to better prepare our students for the industry. Our faculty continues to excel in scholarship and outreach efforts through partnerships with federal and private entities. Our faculty continues to make a direct impact in the built environment industry by conducting use-inspired, innovative research.

Finally, we are incredibly grateful to our Corporate Partners and Industry Advisory Board (IAB) for your continued support and generosity. Because of you, Clemson’s future is bright with opportunities, and the department will continue to prosper going forward. We look forward to seeing you again at the Spring IAB Meeting and Construction Career Fair on Feb. 15, 2024. We are truly grateful for everything you do to make this the best department. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

In the meantime, Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Dhaval Gajjar Dhaval Gajjar, Ph.D. Director, Construction Science and Management

DEPARTMENT CHAIR Mike Jackson, Ph.D., P.E. ASSOCIATE DEPARTMENT CHAIR AND CSM PROGRAM DIRECTOR Dhaval Gajjar, Ph.D. MRED PROGRAM DIRECTOR Dustin Read, Ph.D. MCRP PROGRAM DIRECTOR John Gaber, Ph.D., AICP TENURED AND TENURE-TRACK FACULTY Stephen Buckman, Ph.D. Joe Burgette, Ph.D. Caitlin S. Dyckman, J.D., Ph.D. Jason D. Lucas, Ph.D. Eric A. Morris, Ph.D. Ehsan Mousavi, Ph.D. L. Enrique Ramos, Ph.D., CNU-A Vivek Sharma, Ph.D. Jong Han Yoon, Ph.D. LECTURERS Robert Benedict, Ph.D. Kirk Alan Bingenheimer, MBS Madeleine Bolick Al Boulding Brian Reed Harnish Sharma Russell Stall Gretchen Waugaman, Ph.D. ADJUNCT FACULTY McFaddin Blanding Michael Brearley Nick Corley David DeVita Dan Ford Tom Fuduric Brad Harvey Anthony Harden, P.E. Bryan W. Malone, PMP Catherine Nove-Josserand, MBA Phillip Rivers Hughes Phillip Rivers Hughes, Jr. Craig Townsend Todd Usher, LEED AP EMERITUS FACULTY Robert Benedict, Ph.D. Roger W. Liska, Ed.D., FAIC, P.E. Barry Nocks, Ph.D., FAICP STAFF Leslie Armstrong Richard Gauthier Amy Matthews Herrick Caroline Smith

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Dear readers,

The City and Regional Planning program had a very strong year in terms of scholarship, students and contributions to the planning profession. For Nieri Department alumni and family not familiar with the program, it is made up of two degrees: the Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) and the Community Development and City Planning Minor. The program faculty had another strong year for scholarship in 2023. The four full-time faculty (Caitlin S. Dyckman, Eric A. Morris, L. Enrique Ramos and myself) collectively produced one book (Oxford University Press), six refereed journal articles (one of which was published in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Environmental Sciences) and 10 international conference papers (including an invited keynote paper at the Land Trust Alliance annual conference). The program hired a handful of new lecturers, including Robert Benedict, Madeleine Bolick and Russell Stall. These new teaching faculty compliment Professor Emeritus Barry Nocks’ more than 44 years of teaching in the program.

The quality and depth of the student body continues to grow. MCRP student numbers are showing a strong recovery from the COVID years, with Fall 2023 seeing a 25% increase in first-year students in comparison to Fall 2022. The MCRP student population has become more international, with over 35% of our incoming 2023 Fall class coming from outside of the U.S. Of particularly noteworthiness is second-year MCRP student Isaac Quaye. This summer, he and a team of Clemson University GIS experts from the Clemson Center for Geospatial Technologies won the national Esri Award for Special Achievement in Geographic Information Systems in San Diego, Calif. The Community Development and City Planning Minor officially started in Fall 2022 and is outperforming all expectations. Over 20 students enrolled in the minor in the first year, and the number of students taking classes increased from 70 students in 2021-22 to 120 students in 2022-23.

Lastly, the MCRP program is continuing its long tradition of graduating successful planning professionals. 2023 was a banner year in terms of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam pass rate. City planning — similar to architecture, engineering and law — is a certifiable profession where, upon graduation from a nationally accredited master’s program, students take the AICP exam to become certified planning professionals. 83% of our students passed the AICP exam in 2022-23.

On the horizon for 2024, the MCRP program will go through a national Planning Accreditation Board accreditation visit in February. Our last visit earned a strong 5-year accreditation, and we anticipate a similar successful review in the new year.

Sincerely,

John Gaber John Gaber, Ph.D., AICP Director, City and Regional Planning

Clemson University’s MRED program enhances curriculum for accelerated time-to-degree The program focuses on promoting an entire vision for a community through sustainable design, creative financing methods, place making and healthy communities.

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lemson University’s Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program is excited to announce a curriculum update beginning in the Fall 2023 semester as it moves to its new home in the College of Architecture, Art and Construction. While the program’s foundational core curriculum remains intact, the modifications provide students more flexibility, faster time-to-degree and additional industry connections.

Clemson’s state-of-the-art facility at Greenville ONE provides an ideal location for the MRED program.

The MRED program is now a 35-credit hour professional degree program that can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses are organized in a manner that makes it possible for full-time students to complete the program in as little as one year and parttime students in as little as two years. Administered by the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning, the MRED program draws heavily from the academic disciplines of architecture, construction, finance, law, city and regional planning and real estate.

Since 2004, the MRED program has blended interdisciplinary coursework with hands-on learning activities including internships, field studies and independent research. Degree requirements continue to include an internship experience and a final

practicum course on a real-world proposed development.

Clemson University’s goal is to provide students with a 360-degree view and understanding of development through industry connections, training and technology readiness, as well as a chance to explore and learn from some of the most notable developments in the region and nation.

“We are very excited about the enhancements we’ve made to the MRED program’s curriculum and hope they will serve to make the training we offer available to a broader group of aspirant real estate developers,” said Dustin Read, director of the Master of Real Estate Development program at Clemson.

Dustin Read

The program will now accept applications for fall, spring and summer and accommodate working professionals who wish to continue their careers while completing graduate school.

For more information on the MRED Program or to apply, visit www.clemson.edu/mred. •Dustin Read 7

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R O G R A M

highlights

Earn a certificate in Roofing Fundamentals

Roofing Fundamentals is a self-paced, fully online course. Participants work at their own pace and are given 60 days to complete the course. Throughout the course, participants deepen their understanding of many different segments within the roofing industry. This course provides a comprehensive understanding and study of essential elements that are critical to professional roof construction. Upon successful completion of all instructional modules and the final exam, participants earn a certificate of completion from the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning at Clemson University and the Roofing Alliance – the Foundation of NRCA.

Scan to learn more

Minor in Construction Science and Management A minor in Construction Science and Management requires either CSM 2030 or CSM 2050 and 12 additional credits selected from CSM 2040, CSM 3510, CSM 3520 and CSM 4530. Students should speak with an advisor to learn more. The minor is not open to students already majoring in Construction Science and Management.

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NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023

Joe Burgett shows off a drone.

Scan to learn more Learn to operate commercial drones Five online Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) courses are available through Clemson University’s professional development program. These unique courses are specifically designed for working professionals who wish to start or expand their use of drones for commercial applications.

The flagship course offering is UAS Vocation. This fully online course provides students with a comprehensive curriculum of the most common UAS applications. Students receive three separate certifications; FAA Part 107, APSA Flight Proficiency and Level 1 UAS Thermography. The course is taught by nationally recognized UAS researcher and educator Joe Burgett, an associate professor in the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning.

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Part 107 Exam Prep

UAS Essentials

UAS Essentials Plus

Applied UAS Thermography

UAS Vocation

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College of Architecture, Art and Construction launches into its first semester

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he new College of Architecture, Art and Construction (CAAC) at Clemson University launched its first semester in Fall 2023, welcoming 1,199 majors and graduate students to campus.

In its first year, CAAC has attracted students from 39 states and 21 countries around the world.

“This college represents a dynamic collection of programs with stellar faculty and students,” said Interim Dean George J. Petersen. “We are building on a foundation of success.”

Home to five undergraduate degree programs and 12 graduate programs, the college perpetuates more than a century of design, art and construction education at Clemson. It was formed on July 1, 2023 from the existing School of Architecture, Department of Art and Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning.

“The College of Architecture, Art and Construction combines nationally recognized and preemi-

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nent faculty with well-established academic programs to facilitate the college’s new identity and forward momentum,” said Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robert H. Jones.

“This remarkably dynamic combination positions it on a trajectory of excellence and continued growth to support the University’s strategic plan to deliver a No. 1 student experience and transform lives statewide and beyond.”

The college greeted an incoming class of 165 first-year students for its five undergraduate programs to which 2,079 potential students applied in 2023.

“The caliber of our students has never been higher,” Petersen said.

The college enters its first semester with 78 fulltime faculty members offering a total of 288 courses, contributing 12,987 credit hours. •

NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023

University launches national search for College of Architecture, Art and Construction dean

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he Office of the Provost is launching a national search for the inaugural dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Construction. The new College of Architecture, Art and Construction (CAAC) at Clemson University launched its first semester in Fall 2023, welcoming 1,199 majors and graduate students to campus.

In its first year, CAAC has attracted students from 39 states and 21 countries around the world.

The Parker Executive Search firm is leading the confidential search process. A position description and additional details are posted on Interfolio, along with a link for internal and external candidates to apply.

On-campus interviews will occur Spring 2024.

“The College of Architecture, Art and Construction combines nationally recognized and preeminent faculty with well-established academic programs to facilitate the college’s new identity and forward momentum. This remarkably dynamic combination will position the inaugural dean on a trajectory of excellence and continued growth to support the University’s strategic plan to deliver a No. 1 student experience and transform lives statewide and beyond,” said Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robert H. Jones.

Home to five undergraduate degree programs and 12 graduate

programs, the college perpetuates more than a century of design, art and construction education at Clemson. It was formed on July 1, 2023, from the existing School of Architecture, Department of Art and Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning.

While the college unites programs that have been historically housed on campus in Lee Hall, it also extends Clemson’s reach across the state and around the globe, giving students the opportunity for immersive, hands-on learning experiences. The Nieri Department of Construction Development and Planning offers students job-site experiences in the three-acre Experiential Learning (XL) Yard, and its Master of Real Estate Development program is housed in downtown Greenville at GreenvilleONE. The School of Architecture’s trademarked Fluid Campus® system operates in Charleston; Barcelona, Spain; and Genoa, Italy. This year, the CAAC will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Department of Art’s MFA program, featuring work from alumni artists ranging from South Carolina to Japan.

George J. Petersen, the Provost Distinguished Professor of Educational Innovation at Clemson University, was appointed interim dean of the newly formed College of Architecture, Art and Construction (CAAC) In April 2023. • 11

CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEME

Ajay Jadhav will graduate with his Ph.D. in Construction Science and Management this D the program, which was approved by the Clemson University Board of Trustees last year

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hortly after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Mumbai University, Ajay Jadhav began researching construction management programs at universities across the United States.

“Clemson University’s Construction Science and Management program had everything I was looking for,” said Jadhav, who moved to Clemson, South Carolina from Navi Mumbai, India in 2018. “The curriculum was balanced. It had project management, financial management and scheduling, along with project work.”

Jadhav was equally impressed by the quality of the department’s faculty and staff. The guidance and support he received from Shima Clarke, interim acting associate dean of undergraduate and graduate studies, played an important role in his decision to join the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning.

When Jadhav graduated from the Master of Construction Science and Management program in 2019, he decided he wanted to pursue a Ph.D. in the same field. The only problem was there was no such program at Clemson. Not yet, at least.

“I was eagerly waiting for the Ph.D. program to officially start,” said Jadhav, who was permitted to join the Ph.D. program in Planning, Design and the Built Environment in the meantime.

When the department announced the launch of a

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Ph.D. in Construction Science and Management in 2022, Jadhav transferred to the new program, which was more aligned with his research. He will graduate with his Ph.D. from the new program this semester.

Ajay Jadhav During his time in the department, Jadhav had the opportunity to work with Joe Burgett, an associate professor, on his continued drone research and

NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023

N SCIENCE ENT

December. He is the first to graduate from r.

the late Dennis Bausman, whom Jadhav considers a father figure.

“I was blessed to be his student,” he said. “Overall, the curriculum and professors exceeded my expectations.”

When asked to provide an example of how the department has prepared him for lifelong success, Jadhav said he couldn’t pick just one.

“The environment that Clemson University and the department gave to their students makes me feel confident that I will be successful in life. The professors and faculty and support staff were always kind and resourceful,” said Jadhav, who continues to recommend the program to his friends — some of whom are now in the program.

After graduation, Jadhav plans to continue working in the field of land development and pre-construction with the civil engineering firm where he is currently employed. •

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION At the doctoral level, the Construction Science and Management program prepares students to advance the disciplinary body of knowledge through careers in academia, the public sector and the construction industry. The program provides a strong foundation while remaining flexible so that students may customize the curriculum to fit their research objectives.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Ph.D. candidates must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree or 30 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. This includes 18 credit hours of dissertation research (CSM 9910).

Additional requirements include a comprehensive examination and the successful defence of a dissertation before the advisory committee and the graduate school.

COURSEWORK Beyond the required 12 credit hours of approved coursework and the 18 credit hours of CSM 9910, students are encouraged to tailor the curriculum to meet their own research and learning objectives.

Ph.D. 13

Faculty Fellow researched air flow in hospitals The main goal of Mousavi’s research is to appraise the effect of environmental parameters on design, construction, operation and maintenance of healthcare premises.

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hsan Mousavi, an endowed associate professor in the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning, was among three Clemson University faculty members chosen to work within Prisma Health departments to study robotic technology in surgical environments, air quality control for airborne diseases and inter-physician handoffs in emergency medicine.

As part of the Clemson University School of Health Research (CUSHR) fellowship, Faculty Fellows produce research to improve the health outcomes with their clinical partners. Their research also contributes to the rapidly expanding joint Clemson University and Prisma Health collaborative health research agenda through publications and presentations.

“The CUSHR Faculty Fellows program is a step forward in our commitment to health services research, and the University’s commitment to health innovation,” said Windsor Westbrook Sherrill, associate vice president for health research at Clemson University.

Mousavi worked with Dr. Robert Morgan and Mark Dease of Prisma Health at the simulation center at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Greenville to study how to control air contaminant spread.

“It was a great opportunity and a true honor to serve as a CUSHR Faculty Fellow during the past semester,” Mousavi said. “I’ve made fantastic connections across the health research team learned so much. I look forward to continuing my collaborations with this outstanding community” The group experimented with different designs to decrease airborne disease transmission through the air system and find the best solution to keep airborne illnesses from spreading through the air filtration system. Working with Dease at Prisma Health facilities, Mousavi learned about the air system, what the hospital did during the pandemic and how effective it was.

“Dr. Mousavi’s expertise and commitment have played a pivotal role in advancing our collaborative

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efforts with Prisma,” said Windsor Westbrook Sherrill, associate vice president of health research and provost distinguished professor of public health sciences at Clemson. “His dedication to our shared goals has been instrumental in our success, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative journey in health research.”

Ehsan Mousavi

The CUSHR Faculty Fellows program is a step forward in our commitment to health services research, and the University’s commitment to health innovation.

Learn more about the program at clemson.edu/ health-research/faculty. •

NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023

Summer Scholars Our 2023 Summer Scholars had a great time honing their construction skills and testing out industry equipment.

Rising 11th and 12th graders enjoy campus life.

Summer Scholars get a hands-on college experience.

‘ Try on’ Clemson for a week.

Every summer, the Summer Scholars program at Clemson University welcomes hundreds of campers who enjoy a one-week introduction to a variety of university learning options, while being immersed in our campus culture.

Scan to learn more

Participants taking courses stay in a residence hall and eat meals in a dining hall throughout the week to complete their on-campus experience. Summer Scholars students will also meet current Clemson students, who serve as counselors to guide, mentor, and answer questions about life as a Tiger.

Rising 11th or 12th graders are invited to get a sneak peek at what college life is all about through a Summer Scholars course in Construction Science and Management.

Registration for Summer 2024 will open in January.

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Clemson’s 8th Annual Construction Symposium celebrates partnership between construction and architecture

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he Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning at Clemson University held its 8th Annual Construction Symposium in Greenville on September 14.

The keynote address was delivered by Brad Smith, a principal member of the architecture firm of McMillan Pazdan Smith. As an alumnus of both the construction science and management program and architecture program at Clemson, he emphasized the importance of communication between both fields during the building process.

“Even though there are times we aren’t completely on the same page, we must respect each other’s expertise, trust each other and work together as a team,” he said.

Smith’s keynote touched on a variety of critical issues facing the $1.8 trillion construction sector including labor shortages, relationships, delivery methods and technology. He pointed out how technological advances in robotics, 3D printing and modeling, prefabrication and artificial intelligence are all transforming or have the potential to transform the industry.

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“Technology is and is going to continue to have a huge impact on our industry, but the opportunities new technology brings will still be determined by the human relationships we grow and nurture along the way,” he said.

Smith’s address about the close relationship between construction science and architecture mirrored the closer alignment of their academic disciplines at Clemson in the new College of Architecture, Art and Construction (CAAC). Interim Dean George J. Petersen welcomed the crowd of about 200 guests to the Greenville Marriott, noting that feedback from industry partners is essential for the college’s goal of preparing students for professional practice.

In addition to Smith’s keynote address, the Symposium hosted a presentation from Be Pro Be Proud headlined by S.C. Senate President Thomas Alexander (R – Oconee), Leslie Clark of Carolinas ACG and Marty McKee of King Asphalt. It also featured a Workshop entitled “The Future Leaders of Construction Employment” led by Charlie Dunn of DPR Construction and a panel discussion on the real estate capital

NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023

The event featured multiple networking opportunities.

Over 200 individuals attended the day-long event.

Interim Dean George J. Petersen addresses the crowd.

Attendees explore the Be Pro Be Proud trailer.

market with Brad Harvey of River Street Partners, LLC; Brian Reed of CBRE Group; Scott Williams of Aline Capital; Josh Woodward of Lima One; and Dustin C. Read, director of Clemson’s Master of Real Estate Development program.

“The Symposium continues to be the highlight of the year for our students and faculty,” said Mike Jackson, chair of the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning. “The cooperation of our industry partners for insight and networking is invaluable, and it is a major factor in our 100 percent job

placement rate for students.”

The Symposium was supported by headline sponsor 84 Lumber® as well as Tiger Level sponsorships from Carolinas ACG and H&W Electrical. Other sponsors included Thompson Turner Construction, ELEDCO Inc., SteelFab SC Inc., Lithko, Americas Home Place, Harper GC and the Roofing Alliance as well as the Symposium’s official media partner, GroundBreak Carolinas. •

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CAREER FAIR Fall 2023 The Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning hosted over 80 companies from the region and beyond in the Madren Center on Oct. 12 for the Fall 2023 Career Fair. Students had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and learn about part-time and full-time opportunities.

Corporate Partners have the opportunity to connect with soon-to-be graduates.

Over 80 companies attended the 2023 Career Fair.

Save the date!

The Spring 2024 Career Fair will return to the Madren Center on Feb. 15.

Corporate Partners interested in hosting a table are invited to register now through Jan. 25, 2024.

Contact Leslie Armstrong for more information.

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Students share copies of their resume with industry professionals.

NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | NEWSLETTER FALL 2023 FALL 2023

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reasons a career in construction is a smart move in 2023 and beyond

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An older workforce means more opportunities for younger workers

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Aging infrastructure

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High demand for workers

91% of contractors struggled to fill open positions in 2022. While salaried positions are a bit easier to fill, 81% of firms were still hard pressed to find qualified project managers and supervisors, and over 50% found safety personnel difficult to find.

The median age in 2022 of construction and extraction occupation workers was 41.2.

Overall, one in five construction workers are 55 or older. It’s likely that many high-paying leadership positions will be available in the coming years.

Recent investment in our nation’s aging infrastructure has created some 800,000 good-paying jobs to revitalize transportation, communications and utilities systems.

Rewarding and fulfilling work

Not many of us can say, “I helped build that,” when looking at the beautiful new hospital wing in our home town or the brand new high school just down the block.

Opportunity to own your own business For entrepreneurs looking to gain experience and knowledge to be their own boss someday, pursuing a career in construction can be a great first step. When you find your niche, you may just find you want to be the one writing the checks.

The sky’s the limit!

Few careers provide as much variety as construction. From craft work to engineering to management, there is something for everyone. Ongoing training and education can keep you moving up the career ladder and keep you on pace for an exciting job that could last a lifetime.

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XL Yard Students observe as the crane lifts the concrete panels.

Students pour concrete.

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NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023

Students work on formwork.

‘Lift Day’ showcases the value of hands-on construction education

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tudents in the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning gathered in the Experiential Learning (XL) Yard on Oct. 25 to show off a series of concrete panels created with guidance from Richard Gauthier, the department’s experiential learning program coordinator, and support from corporate partners.

The three panels will soon be used to construct a covered platform and stadium seating at the site.

“The XL Yard is where students get hands-on experience,” said Gauthier, who teaches the construction science workshop (CSM 2060). “This semester’s project was the result of a collaboration that started with ARCO Design/ Build and went on to include ARCON Concrete Solutions, New Terrain Grading, Baker Concrete and Metrocon, who donated 120 cubic yards of concrete for the project.”

The corporate partners led students through each stage of the process, from the project design and excavation of the site to concrete pour and finish.

“Lift Day was especially interesting for learning and understanding unique construction experiences,” said Alexa DeCarlo, a third-year student in the Construction Science and Management program. “It’s not every day that students are involved with a crane lift.”

CSM 2060 is different from DeCarlo’s other classes, most of which take the form of traditional lectures with exams.

“The workshop gives you the opportunity to truly understand every role on a job site. The industry heavily relies on involvement outside the classroom, and this class absolutely prepares us for the expectations of the companies we join” DeCarlo said. “Each week we learn about the individual trades and gain hands-on experience. Not only do you gain an understanding of each part of a project, but also an appreciation for the men and women working hard every day at making these builds come to life. I am grateful to be a part of a program that is deliberately focused on my success before and after I graduate.”

Gauthier has taught the workshop course since 2020 when the department secured the on-campus XL Yard. All students enrolled in the Construction Science and Management program take classes at the three-acre site located at the Clemson University Ravenel Research Center. The XL Yard also includes the John B. Nieri Construction Learning Center, a 1,800-square-foot classroom, which was donated by Michael Nieri ‘86, the founder and president of Great Southern Homes in Columbia, in honor of his father. •

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Campus Habitat for Humanity chapter celebrates 30th year of Homecoming build Hundreds of volunteers — including students, faculty and staff — spent time on Bowman Field throughout Homecoming Week 2023 as part of the 30th Habitat for Humanity home build. Thanks to a unique partnership with the Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, Clemson students help construct framework for a new home that will eventually reside in the local community.

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NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023

Sigma Lambda Chi Clemson University students were inducted into the Sigma Lambda Chi International Construction Honor Society on Oct. 30.

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Active duty Clemson student promoted to the rank of major in United States Air Force

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ohnathan (Andrew) Anspach, a graduate student in the construction science and management program at Clemson University, has been promoted to the rank of major within the United States Air Force. An official promotion ceremony was held in Clemson’s Military Heritage Plaza in June.

Anspach was surrounded by family, friends, neighbors and colleagues during the promotion ceremony. Among the University supporters were Major General Hank Morrow (U.S. Air Force, retired), executive secretary to the Board of Trustees, and Emily 24

DaBruzzi, director of Military and Veteran Engagement.

“I’m stoked to be able to take on this new endeavor, to step up and lead at the next level,” said Anspach, who just completed his first year in the Civilian Institution scholarship program sponsored by the Air Force Institute of Technology. “My family has never had an opportunity to be part of something like this. For them to really understand what promotion means is huge.”

Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Mullinax (U.S. Army, retired) served as the master of ceremonies and Colonel Christopher Mann (U.S. Air

Force, retired) was the presiding officer for the promotion. Both are employees at Clemson.

Anspach’s children pinned new ok leaves on the shoulders of his uniform, signifying the rank of major. He then took an oath under Mann’s direction:

NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023

I, Johnathan Anspach, having been appointed a major in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all

Col. Christopher Mann, a professor in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, congratulates Maj. Jonathan (Andrew) Anspach, a graduate student, on his promotion to major during a June 2023 ceremony.

Anspach’s children pinned new oak leaves on the shoulders of his uniform, signifying the rank of major.

enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I’m about to enter, so help me God. Mann spoke at length about Anspach’s accomplishments and why he had earned the promotion to major. In a relatively short career as a health services architect,

Anspach has led 12 major projects in the United States and overseas with a total value of more than half a billion dollars.

“Promotion is an important aspect of our tradition and culture in the Air Force,” said Mann, a professor in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business. “We promote officers who have not only done good work, but also have demonstrated they already have the level of maturity and responsibility and are willing to take on the necessary authority to be successful at the next rank.

“Do I think Andrew has sufficiently demonstrated the leadership and management capability to handle authority as a captain that would be necessary as a major? Absolutely, I do. The proof is right in front of us.”

Anspach earned a degree in architecture from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. He joined the Air Force as a Medical Services Corps officer in 2014 and was first stationed at Maxwell Air

Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. A few years ago, he led a 150-bed trauma center expansion at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

Over the past year at Clemson, Anspach has been engaged in the local community. He has helped conduct outreach efforts with veterans, first responders and active-duty service members through the local chapter of Heroes on the Water, a non-profit therapeutic fishing program. He is scheduled to earn his master’s degree from Clemson in May 2024.

“The support at Clemson has been amazing,” he said. “From the faculty to the Military and Veteran Engagement staff, it has helped me tremendously during a difficult transition back into higher education. The leadership skills I’ve learned in the military, coupled with 13 years of experience in the construction industry, have helped me mentor and coach younger students at Clemson.” •

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BETTER TOGETH From siblings to study buddies, these students are sticking together.

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iblings play a significant role in shaping our early life experiences, providing a foundation for social skills, empathy and a sense of belonging that can last a lifetime. Throughout adolescence, they annoy and delight us in equal measure. For a lucky few, the fun doesn’t end with high school graduation. This fall, the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning is home to no fewer than four sets of siblings who continue to inspire, encourage and learn from one another.

CONNOR AND HARRISON BROOKS Connor Brooks enrolled in the Construction Science and Management program in 2020 with the intention of landing a job in the construction industry after graduation. His younger brother Harrison joined him in the program this fall.

“It’s pretty cool how we are in the same major since we grew up liking different things,” Harrison said. “I value Connor’s feedback on the classes he’s taken, and I look forward to some of the hands-on workshops and team projects.”

Once the Brooks brothers graduate in May 2024 and May 2027, respectively, they plan to start their 26

own residential construction company.

Connor credits the hands-on coursework for teaching him “exactly how the industry works.”

MADELINE AND HANNAH HEYBURN Madeline Heyburn was first drawn to the Construction Science and Management program because of its reputation for providing students with ample opportunities for hands-on experience.

“I knew that finding a career path I was passionate to learn about would be very important to my success,” Madeline said. “Now that I am a couple years into the program, I would say I am extremely drawn to the versatility it offers. The balance of textbook knowledge and hands-on experience has kept me eager to work hard and become more involved.”

Her younger sister Hannah joined the program this fall.

“Hearing Madeline talk about the program sparked my interest,” Hannah said. “I’m currently in my first semester, but I can already tell that the program will prepare me for lifelong success.”

While the two haven’t taken any classes together yet, they did participate in this year’s Habitat for Hu-

NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023

HER manity Build.

“During this build together we got hands-on experience installing siding and the chance to talk with retired architects and contractors who volunteered to help the build,” said Madeline.

While some siblings can be competitive, Madline and Hannah prefer to support one another.

“I am always so excited to tell her about what I have been learning in my classes and all my experiences,” Madeline said.

“Having my older sister in the program has been amazing,” Hannah said. “Not only has she been my mentor on things like which classes I should take or how to approach the career fair, but she is my best friend and I know I can come to her if I need anything.

Madeline has been a great role model for me in the program and I know I will continue to look up to her in the industry.” •

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WE OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS The Corporate Partner Progam ensures the Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning continues to be among the top 10 construction education programs in the nation by providing professional development opportunities to faculty and enhancing the department’s ongoing collaboration with industry leaders.

Corporate partners receive numerous benefits, including a seat on the Industry Advisory Board and unique opportunities to engage with students in the department.

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NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023

Endowment Level Partner 84 Lumber ABC Supply AJ Bright Construction Ajax Building AM King America’s Home Place Archer Western | The Walsh Group ARCO Baker Concrete Baker Roofing The Beck Group Balfour Beatty Construction Brasfield & Gorrie C. A. Murren & Sons Company, Inc. C. F. Evans Construction Caldwell Constructors Carroll Daniel Construction Co. Chesterfield Choate Construction Co. CIANBRO Clancy & Theys Construction Company Clayco Clayton Construction Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc. Contract Construction Co. Danis Construction David E. Looper & Company Dillard-Jones DPR Construction DRB Homes Edcon, Inc. General Contractors Edison Foard EFI Eldeco, Inc. Evans General Contractors Fluor Corporation Frampton Construction Fusion Audio and Video Garney Construction

All-In

Orange Level Partner

GMF Steel Graycor Great Southern Homes Greystar Development and Construction GroundBreak Carolinas H. G. Reynolds Company, Inc. H&W Electric Harper General Contractors HASKELL Hill Electric Hogan Construction Group Holder Construction Co. Hood Construction, Inc. Industrial Project Innovation (IPI) James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction Company, Inc. JDavis JE Dunn Construction JM Cope Junear Construction Company Kiewit Kingspan Insulated Panels KL Masters Construction Company Langston Construction Lennar HomeBuilding Lithko Loveless Commercial Contracting, Inc. M. B. Kahn Construction Co., Inc. Mashburn Construction Co., Inc. McCarthy Building Companies McCrory Construction Meritage Homes Messer Construction Co. Metrocon, Inc. Metromont Corporation MetroPower (Carolina Power) Miller Electric Moorhead Construction, Inc. Mungo Homes

New Partner

Myers & Chapman Network Controls New South Construction NextEra Energy Patuxent Materials, Inc. Performance Contracting, Inc. Performance Contractors, Inc. P+F Construction Precision Walls Procore PulteGroup Charitable Foundation Reeves Young, LLC Robins & Morton Group Rodgers Builders Roofing Alliance Ryan Homes (NVRINC) Samet Corp Sands Companies SC Steel Sea Island Land Development SteelFab of South Carolina Steelworks of the Carolinas Superior Construction Swinerton Builders T. D. Farrell Construction, Inc. TEI Construction Services, Inc. (Babcock Electrical) Thomas Mechanical Thompson Construction Group, Inc. Timberlab Trident Construction Turner Construction Group United Rentals The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. WM Jordan Company

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Construction industry CEO’s gift will open doors for Clemson students

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gift of $600,000 from Guanacaste Ventures will establish scholarships for students in architecture, construction science and management and engineering majors at Clemson University.

The driving force behind the gift is Bree Pattillo, CEO of Pattillo Construction Corporation, who made her donation in honor of her grandfather, H.G. Pattillo.

“My grandfather pretty much raised me, and he always explained that education gives people opportunities,” Pattillo said.

H.G. Pattillo, who passed away in February 2023, was the Chairman and CEO of Pattillo Construction. H.G.’s father and brother founded the company in 1950 with $2,000 saved from cotton farming. Under H.G.’s leadership, the company focused on building warehouses and experienced exponential growth in DeKalb County, Georgia.

“That created jobs, that created a sense of community, and that created opportunities to make a difference in families’ lives,” Bree

said.

From its humble beginnings, the company has gone on to build more than 1,000 industrial buildings accounting for 70 million square feet in Georgia and the Carolinas, including the Boeing Interiors Responsibility Center in North Charleston, South Carolina and GKN Aerospace in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Along the way, H.G. founded Guanacaste Ventures, which was established to create educational opportunities like the ones it is now supporting for Clemson University students.

“It’s continuing his legacy,” Bree said.

The gift will be disbursed over a three-year period and evenly distributed between scholarships for students in Clemson University’s School of Architecture; Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning; and College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.

Although neither Bree nor her grandfather are Clemson gradu-

ates, she zeroed in on the University as the best place to make an impact.

“It was just the right fit. I’ve been doing some research in the background of schools to make pledges to, and Clemson was top of my list,” she said. “What you all have done as a university is remarkable. The way that you all incorporate trying to work with other companies and getting on job sites, that’s incredible. That’s where you learn,” she said.

“This gift is a testament to the generosity of the Pattillo family and to the strength of Clemson University’s reputation for quality design and building education,” said George J. Petersen, interim dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Construction. “We’re grateful for their generous support of our students, and we know that it will pay dividends for our industry partners and our state.”

The Guanacaste Scholarships will become available to students in the 2024-2025 school year. •

Happy Holidays!

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NIERI DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING | FALL 2023