Ball State’s Hunt Center Will Prepare Construction Management Students for Successful Careers

Words: James Jones, Marc Ransford, Diane Hunt, Robert HuntAs 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

Ball State’s Hunt Center Will Prepare Construction Management Students for Successful Careers

MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 19 Recap: Mike & Tom Finch

Echelon Masonry Introduces Ashton Brick, Its Latest Line of Artisan Masonry Veneers

MCAA Showcases Innovation at North Florida Masonry Showcase

Thank You For Bidding In The 2025 Online Auction