Purdue University announces the nomination and application process for the position of School Head, School of Construction Management Technology (SCMT) within the Polytechnic Institute at Purdue’s West Lafayette main campus. The school is fully accredited by the ACCE with over 500 undergraduate and 100 graduate students, with 24 full-time faculty members, and an active connection with the construction industry, including an industry advisory board consisting of 100+ companies and two career fairs each year with more than 200 company participants each semester. The School’s faculty conduct industry-focused research in areas such as virtual design and construction, structures and processes, construction materials and applications, training and safety systems, construction project management and contracting, computing and automation in construction, and more. The School also boasts a 99% job placement rating for its students. The school head reports directly to the dean of the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and is responsible for the administrative, budgetary, and personnel decisions within the school. More information on SCMT can be found here.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will advance a culture of academic excellence and build upon an excellent construction management program, including an exceptional undergraduate and graduate curriculum, an advanced research program, a strong relationship with the construction industry, and will teach as appropriate.

Candidates must:

• Demonstrate a proven ability to lead and mentor faculty in the areas of learning, discovery, and engagement, while building effective and collaborative teams.
• Be recognized for scholarly achievement across the breadth of construction management, have achieved a Ph.D. degree (construction or related field) and have the qualifications for appointment as a full professor.
• Have proven skills as an effective and visionary leader with competencies in administration, teaching, fiscal management, facilitation of grants, and development.
• Demonstrate a commitment to students and student learning at the collegiate level.
• Have a proven record of management experience with an understanding of interaction with diverse groups of internal and external constituents.
• Relatable to industry; open to feedback related to graduates’ competencies; someone who can make SCMT accessible to industry.

About the School

The SCMT is celebrating 50 years of construction education excellence and Purdue University was recently ranked #5 among public institutions in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal.

SCMT has campuses in both West Lafayette and Indianapolis Indiana. The SCMT underwent a curriculum transformation to include more project-based, real-world learning with vertical and horizontal integration of construction management competencies and student learning outcomes. The successful candidate will support the curriculum while cultivating an innovative learning environment which encourages faculty to engage in discovery and develop new connections with the construction industry.

The SCMT benefits from state-of-the-art laboratories, faculty offices, and departmental space in the newly constructed Dudley Hall. New spaces for SCMT include:

• 5,000 sq ft state of the art, construction instructional lab with 6 building bays, remote control gantry crane, and live monitoring of building systems station
• Trimble technology lab
• Bidding & estimating lab
• Project management lab
• Separate construction lab/crane reserved for research purposes

About the University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked one of the top 10 Most Innovative Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, with a $685+ million research enterprise, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery that drive discoveries and innovative solutions that have a critical impact on the nation and the world.

Application Procedure

Applications should include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Confidential review of materials and screening of candidates will begin August 12, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Harris Search Associates is assisting with this search, all candidates should contact Jeffrey Harris, Managing Partner, at jeff@harrissearch.com or 614-798-8500. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2025.

A background check is required for employment of this position

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.