The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Engineering Partners with the Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors to Support its New Construction Management Concentration

The College of Engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is excited to announce a partnership with the Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) to expand its industry connections in support of its new Construction Management concentration. This collaboration unites the College’s academic expertise with ABC’s leadership in the construction industry to help students build meaningful professional relationships, gain real-world experience, and graduate ready to contribute to Louisiana’s growing construction sector.

The new offering provides an innovative combination of a B.S. in Engineering and Technology Management with a Construction Management concentration coupled with an embedded minor in business. As part of the construction management program, students will have the opportunity to be a part of the College’s new Structured Engineering Apprenticeship Program. A fully integrated model in which coursework, work experience, and professional certification and credentials are designed to reinforce one another. Students are supported by both an academic advisor and an industry mentor, ensuring meaningful engagement in the classroom and on the job site, ensuring students receive hands-on training while employers connect with a pipeline of skilled talent.

“We are proud to partner with ABC to deepen the ties between our program and the construction industry,” said Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering. “This partnership is about preparing our students with the skills, insight, and connections they need to succeed from day one,” continued Khattab.

This partnership represents a win-win for both the College of Engineering and ABC’s Pelican Chapter. For the College, it provides valuable industry insight and resources that help keep the Construction Management concentration relevant and rigorous. For ABC’s member companies, the collaboration offers a direct pipeline to a well-prepared, skilled workforce ready to meet the construction sector’s evolving challenges. Together, they strengthen the region’s construction ecosystem by creating a new generation of professionals equipped with both academic knowledge and practical industry experience.

“ABC is committed to developing the next generation of construction leaders,” said David Helveston, President/CEO of the Pelican Chapter. “Partnering with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Engineering allows us to give students direct access to the people, projects, and resources that will shape their careers.”

Students have officially begun the new Construction Management concentration Fall 2025. Details are available here → https://engineeringtech.louisiana.edu/node/150. Contact Dr. Shelton Houston, Department Head of Engineering and Technology Management at Shelton.Houston@louisiana.edu or Dr. Sharon LaHood, Construction Management Program Coordinator at Sharon.LaHood@louisiana.edu for more information.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association with 67 chapters representing more than 23,000 member companies. The Pelican Chapter supports contractors and their employees by promoting free enterprise, delivering high-quality education and training, and advocating for a safe and productive workforce.

In addition, members of the Pelican Chapter work with students on the Construction Management Competition Team, which represents the College at the ABC National Construction Management Competition. Through this involvement, students gain valuable opportunities to showcase their skills, compete on a national stage, and build connections with industry leaders, while working closely with ABC member companies throughout their competition preparation.

Pictured from left to right: College of Engineering Dean Ahmed Khattab, Brenna LeMaire - Director of Member Services Pelican Chapter of ABC, David Helveston - President/CEO Pelican Chapter of ABC, Dr. Sharon LaHood - Construction Management Program Coordinator and Katherine Kennedy, Development Officer for the College of Engineering.