The Louisiana Construction Education Trust Fund Supports the College of Engineering’s Construction Management Program

The Louisiana Construction Education Trust Fund recently presented a gift in support of the Construction Management program in the College of Engineering. The investment reflects a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of construction professionals and advancing workforce development to meet the evolving needs of Louisiana’s construction industry.

Photo Caption: Ken Naquin, Louisiana Construction Education Foundation and Ahmed Khattab, Dean of Engineering (Photo by Paul Kieu)

The event brought together college leadership, industry partners, faculty, and students, highlighting the growing connection between the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Louisiana’s construction industry. As the College continues to grow the Construction Management program, partnerships like these play an important role in preparing students to meet workforce needs and contribute to the future of the industry. The program has already generated strong early interest and enrollment, reflecting both student demand and industry need.

The event highlighted the broad industry support behind the College’s Construction Management program. Representatives included Brenna LeMaire, Director of Member Services for the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Pelican Chapter; Dave Landreneau, Southwest Louisiana Regional Manager for the Louisiana Associated General Contractors (AGC); Stuart Billeaud, President of JB Mouton; Colby Guidry and Glenn McCall of Huval & Associates; and Scott Hebert and John Stuffle of the University’s Office of Facility Management. Their participation reflected the strong partnership between industry and the College of Engineering in developing Louisiana’s future construction workforce.

In his remarks, Ken Naquin of the Louisiana Construction Education Trust Fund emphasized the growing demand for construction management professionals as economic growth, industrial development, and infrastructure expansion continue across Louisiana. He also praised the College’s Construction Management program for its strong early momentum and enrollment growth, noting the important role it can play in helping meet the state's future workforce needs. Naquin expressed enthusiasm for supporting the College’s efforts to prepare graduates who are ready to contribute immediately to the workforce and help address the industry's growing demand for talent.

“We are grateful to the Louisiana Construction Education Trust Fund for its generous support of our Construction Management program,” said Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering. “Programs like Construction Management succeed through industry collaboration. Our partnerships with Louisiana’s construction industry help ensure students gain meaningful real-world experience while developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the workforce demands of a rapidly evolving profession,” continued Khattab.

Photo Caption: Industry representatives, pictured from left to right: Colby Guidry; Glenn McCall; Dave Landreneau; Ken Naquin; Stuart Billeaud; Ahmed Khattab; Scott Hebert; Brenna LeMaire; John Stuffle (Photo by Paul Kieu)

A highlight of the event was hearing directly from Diane Vargas, a student in the Construction Management program and participant in the College’s Engineering Structured Apprenticeship Program (ESAP). Vargas shared her experience in the program and discussed how the apprenticeship model has provided valuable real-world learning opportunities through collaboration with the University’s Office of Facility Management.

Photo Caption: Engineering Structured Apprenticeship Program participant Diane Vargas shares her experience in the program during the luncheon. (Photo by Paul Kieu)

Following the presentation, industry representatives connected with students and faculty, gaining firsthand insight into student experiences and the program’s hands-on approach to construction education.

As the Construction Management program continues to grow, partnerships with industry leaders will remain central to the College’s vision of preparing workforce-ready graduates equipped to help build and lead the future of Louisiana’s construction industry.