TVC to launch construction management degree

Submitted by Michelle Renfrew
Phone: (907) 455-2833
10/03/06

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Tanana Valley Campus in October will launch a new associate’s degree program in construction management.

By training Alaska construction managers, the program meets high-demand job needs and provides a path into the challenging and rewarding careers available in the construction industry. According to the May 2005 edition of "Alaska Economic Trends,"? construction contributes about 7.5 percent of the approximate $25 billion annual gross state product. The new construction management program is aligned with the University of Alaska mission to meet state and local workforce needs and to provide opportunities to all who can benefit from high-quality educational programs.

According to TVC Director Rick Caulfield, industry and labor are strong supporters of building TVC’s construction management program. "They know the value of experienced employees skilled in estimating, scheduling, project management, applied accounting, and managing people. That’s what this program will produce."?

TVC’s construction management program mirrors one offered at UAA and was developed, with input from local contractors and professional organizations, to provide students with a broad knowledge of building systems and construction techniques. Graduates will learn both the basic principles of business and the technical aspects of the construction industry. Upon graduation, they will be qualified to work in the construction office and on the job site.

TVC recently hired faculty member Galen Johnson to oversee the newly established program. Johnson has more than 30 years of construction contracting and project management experience in Fairbanks and throughout Alaska. He spent most of his career working for GHEMM Company as a partner, vice president and construction project manager. He has a master’s degree in engineering management and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, both from UAF.

"Galen Johnson is an outstanding choice to develop and lead our new program,"? said Caulfield. "He has an exceptional combination of education and practical experience in the construction field. We’re lucky to have him join our team."?

The construction management degree requires four to five semesters to complete. While not a prerequisite, it is recommended that students applying for admission have experience in the construction industry. TVC will offer CM102-Methods of Building Construction as a late-start class beginning Thursday Oct. 6 from 6-8 p.m. and will have a full complement of classes available in the spring. For more information about TVC’s construction management program, call Galen Johnson at (907) 455-2846.

CONTACT: Michelle Renfrew, TVC marketing and development manager, at (907) 455-2833 or fnmmr@uaf.edu. TVC Director Rick Caulfield at (907) 455-2850 or ffrac@uaf.edu.