Published May 14, 2012, GSA Business
A Clemson University team of construction science and management students recently placed third nationally in a construction management competition.
 Clemson University’s Construction Science and Management Team takes third place in a national competition, sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors. Pictured left to right: Thomas Carlson, John McLoud, Shima Clarke, Stacey Nicol, Brandon Humphries and Daniel Simpson. (Photo/Provided) |
The Clemson team won third place in the project management and scheduling category in ABC’s 12th Annual National Student Chapter Construction Management Competition in San Antonio last month. The Upstate S.C. Council of theAssociated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas sponsored the students.
The competition gives students a glimpse into the real world of construction and an opportunity to showcase their talents.
“The ABC Upstate Council is proud of the efforts of our student chapter at Clemson,” said Brian Gallagher, Greenville-based O’Neal Inc. marketing director and the ABC’s Upstate Council chairman. “The team members, and their coaches, put a tremendous amount of effort into their project and presentation and we are pleased that they were recognized nationally.”
Students worked in teams of four in an intense day-long competition, taking part in a bid-day drill. Prior to the competition, teams prepared a bid package which included a detailed project estimate, project management plan, project schedule, an economic inclusion plan and a site specific safety plan.
They came prepared to adjust their work based on changes to the project, such as site logistics. Eight finalist teams were chosen to verbally present their submissions to a panel of judges acting as owners’ reps and design professionals.
The Clemson student team included Stacey Nicol, a senior, who served as team captain and project manager; Daniel Simpson, a junior, who served as superintendent; John McLoud, a senior, who served as lead estimator; Thomas Carlson, a senior, who served as safety engineer; and Brandon Humphries, a junior, who served as division manager.
Clemson University’s Construction Science & Management Department faculty members, Carolina Safety Consultants, Trehel Corp., O’Neal Inc., Waldrop Mechanical Services and Cely Construction all supported the team in some way.
“The students worked very well as a team, with each team member having a good understanding of the entire project and each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” said Shima Clarke, a Clemson associate professor of construction science and management. “This led to effective communication and trust, which, along with a lot of hard work and dedication, led to their success at the competition.”
The Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas represents the merit construction contractors and related firms in North and South Carolina. ABC of the Carolinas is a chapter of the national ABC organization which represents more than 25,000 members.
