- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Unveils Newly Renovated Nabholz Lab for Construction Programs

John Hill — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:59:21 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has unveiled a newly renovated lab that will provide construction management and civil engineering students with an edge for their future careers in Arkansas’s growing construction industry. With generous support from Nabholz, the new Nabholz Construction High Bay Lab has been redesigned to provide an upgraded workspace for classes, student projects, and demonstrations for students, faculty, and industry members. The lab is housed on the first floor of the Engineering, Technology, and Applied Science Building at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and was unveiled during a Nov. 18 ceremony. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock and Nabholz have had a long relationship that Nabholz values greatly,” said Greg Williams, chairman of the board at Nabholz. “In particular, Nabholz has had a wonderful relationship with the Construction Management and Civil Engineering programs. Nabholz was pleased to be the sponsor for the High Bay Lab as it complements not only the knowledge needed for traditional construction but also some of the special skills needed by our Industrial Services team.” Nabholz donated materials and labor for the lab renovation. In addition, Nabholz has provided a $30,000 donation to maintain and provide supplies for the lab for the next five years. “A key strength of our construction management and civil engineering programs is the practical applications our students receive in classes and labs,” said Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. “This is only possible with labs that are current and focused on today’s workforce needs. The students, faculty, and I thank Nabholz for this generous gift that has transformed the High Bay Lab for the better!” Dr. Hollis “Hank” Bray, chair of the Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering, said the Nabholz lab will provide a generous space for important classes and competition. “The lab will support class activities for classes in safety, concrete formwork, steel erection, materials engineering, and others,” Bray said. “The lab will also support important student activities such as the concrete canoe competition, construction shelter competitions, and Steel Bridge competition. The Nabholz High Bay Lab will be available for industry demonstrations as well. The Nabholz gift allowed us to make a major facelift to the 35-year-old laboratory and added much needed additional storage for lab supplies.”

A ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student practices erecting scaffolding in the newly dedicated Nabholz Construction High Bay Lab. Photo by Ben Krain.

The Nabholz Lab is part of a continuing partnership with construction industry partners in Central Arkansas to provide a great education, learning environment, and career preparation at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The Clark Project Management Lab opened last fall to provide a place for students to learn about estimating, construction scheduling, project administration, and other important construction management topics. The lab was renovated by Clark Contractors and numerous industry partners. Students in the Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering are highly sought after by industry employers and have a 100-percent employment rate upon graduation. “We’ve employed many ��Vlog��ý Little Rock grads over the years, and they are a critical part of our team as well as our internship program,” Williams said. “It is important to our industry that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock maintain a thriving program.” You can learn more about ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s efforts to provide great learning environments that encourage student success at the Centennial Campaign website.

Construction Industry Rallies to Renovate Construction Management Learning Facilities at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:55:00 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has unveiled a new state-of-art project management lab that will prepare construction management and civil engineering students for their future careers. “This gift has provided a state-of-the-art Project Management Lab for teaching estimating, construction scheduling, project administration, and other construction management topics,” said Dr. Hollis “Hank” Bray, chair of the Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering. “It showcases unique projects completed by Clark Contractors which employs a number of our program alumni.” With generous support from Clark Contractors and industry partners, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s new Clark Project Management Lab provides students the opportunity to gain access to a facility that reflects current industry technology. The lab is housed on the third floor of the Engineering, Technology, and Applied Science Building at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. As one of the largest classrooms in the Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering, the newly renovated and improved Clark Project Management Lab will provide students with space for active learning, engagement, and collaboration. “The Clark PM Lab will help to prepare the next generation of construction management and engineering professionals so that they may be better equipped to embark upon careers in the construction industry and contribute to the built community,” said William Clark, chief executive officer of Clark Contractors. The Clark Project Management Lab is a place for students to learn current practices and will help to fill a growing need for education in construction management and engineering in all phases. Renovations began in February and were completed this summer. The renovation of the Clark Project Management Lab is a community effort by many industry professionals. The renovated lab was remodeled to create an updated, improved learning environment. Clark Contractors provided construction management and general contracting services. They worked with Taggart Architects who provided design assistance.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock staff and Construction Management students participate in a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony dedicating the Clark Project Management Lab. Clark Contractors sponsored the lab renovation along with help from several construction industry partners in Arkansas. Photo by Ben Krain.

“One of the best parts about a building project is getting to see people interact with their new space,” said Shannon Earls, president of Clark Contractors. “We’re proud to be a part of that process for the students in the Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering and to provide them with a new platform for learning and engagement.” The people and businesses who helped complete the renovation include: Meredith Davies, Brandon Ruhl, and Bill Gray of Taggart Architects; Anthony Brooks of Platinum Drywall; Jonathan Rogers of Arnold and Blevins; Eric Bailey of Bailey Paint; Kevin Perry of JCP Floorcovering Contractors, Dana Guess of PC Hardware, Sabrina Huddleston of DFI Architectural Signs, and Lucy Beth Owens of ImageWorks Commercial Interiors. “The importance of this lab and our contribution to the design goes well beyond the physical environment,” said Brandon Ruhl, designer and project architect at Taggart Architects. “Now, more than ever, it is extremely important to invest in the education and development of our future colleagues. Without talented and knowledgeable project managers, the demand for our services, cost for materials and labor, and inflation will continue to rise. It is our hope that our investment into the Clark PM Lab at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will contribute to a strengthened workforce in our architecture, engineering, and construction community across the state of Arkansas.” Renovations included removing the tiered seating, a new ceiling, paint, and LED lights, low profile power outlets, and lightweight tables and chairs. The final touch is a photo wall that features examples of the building process and finished projects that will serve as an inspiration for students. In addition to renovating the lab, Clark Contractors has provided a $50,000 donation dispersed over five years to maintain the equipment, software, furniture, and supplies for the lab. “Almost 40 percent of our salaried employees are graduates from the University of Little Rock,” Clark said. “Being able to give back and help further establish the resources of the Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering is a dream come true for us.” Students in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering are highly sought after by industry employers and have a 100-percent employment rate upon graduation.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Holds Dedication Ceremony for New Clark Project Management Lab

John Hill — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:41:44 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock will hold a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Clark Project Management Lab in the Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, in the Engineering, Technology, and Applied Science Building, Room 354. With generous support from Clark Contractors, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock now has a state-of-the-art project management lab that provides students the opportunity to gain access to a facility that reflects current industry technology. The lab will help educate students in project management, estimating, scheduling, and project administration. The speakers will include ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale; William Clark, CEO of Clark Contractors; Dr. Hollis “Hank” Bray, chair of the Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering; Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement; and Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. chief executive officer of Clark Contractors.

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Unveils Newly Renovated Nabholz Lab for Construction Programs

Construction Industry Rallies to Renovate Construction Management Learning Facilities at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Holds Dedication Ceremony for New Clark Project Management Lab

- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Unveils Newly Renovated Nabholz Lab for Construction Programs

Construction Industry Rallies to Renovate Construction Management Learning Facilities at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Holds Dedication Ceremony for New Clark Project Management Lab