College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Left to right:  Bobby Russell III, Austyn Neely, Dr. Amy Lewis, Addi Brandt, Madison Masters, and Cade Scarbrough.

 

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) announced that the AGC Student Chapter at Oklahoma State University has earned the Outstanding Emerging Student Chapter Award in the 2023 AGC Outstanding Student Chapter Contest. 

Their Chapter was recognized for rebuilding their membership and engagement.  Their current membership has increased to 45 active students, up from 10 during and immediately after COVID. 

 

Membership in an AGC Student Chapter provides young professionals with an opportunity to observe and develop their skills with current industry leaders. AGC of America, in conjunction with local Chapters, supports more than 170 Student Chapters nationwide.

 

OSU’s Student Chapter has been actively involved in a community service project to entirely refurbish the exterior of a deserving individual’s home.  Additionally, they have hosted eight industry speaker events to ensure their members are connected with industry professionals, actively participate in two industry job fairs, and orchestrate an “Industry Week”, featuring 21 industry speakers, an equipment rodeo, and enticing construction tool door prizes.  They also host the annual Tex Ehler’s golf tournament each spring.

 

OSU’s Student Chapter embarked on a transformative journey of rejuvenation in the spring of 2021. This revitalization was ignited by the appointment of a new faculty advisor, Dr. Amy Lewis, an assistant professor in Construction Engineering Technology, and a seasoned professional who brought with her an invaluable 30 years of industry experience, predominantly with AGC member general contractors. Her vast experience and profound connections within the industry became a beacon of change for their Chapter. Leveraging her insights into the construction domain and a deep understanding of the AGC's values, she guided their Chapter towards new horizons. Under her mentorship, their Chapter restructured their activities, aligned their objectives more closely with industry standards and cultivated richer relationships with local AGC entities. Her dynamic leadership and commitment to nurturing the next generation rekindled passion within their Chapter, resonating with both current and prospective members. Her visionary approach, complemented by the zealous engagement of student members, has been pivotal in steering the chapter towards a path of renewed growth, relevance and influence.

 

Student Chapters exist at accredited two- and four-year schools offering programs in construction management, construction technology, and construction-related engineering. Schools must be accredited by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).

 

The Student Chapter will receive a $2,000 cash prize along with four complimentary registrations to the AGC’s Annual Convention and a $1,000 travel stipend. 

The students along with Dr. Lewis will travel to San Diego in March to attend the convention where they will be presented their award.