FSU Hosts Community Partnership Breakfast to Discuss Industry and Regional Benefits of its New Construction Project Management Program
FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Fayetteville State University (FSU) hosted a Construction Project Management Partnership Breakfast on Monday to officially unveil a new Bachelor of Science in Construction Project Management program designed to address the growing demand for qualified construction managers regionally and nationwide.
The breakfast meeting in the Broadwell College of Business and Economics brought together key stakeholders, including university leadership, industry executives, nonprofit partners, and local government officials, to discuss a comprehensive educational pipeline that will help meet critical workforce needs in North Carolina’s construction sector.
“This initiative exemplifies our commitment to developing programs that directly respond to community needs while providing our students with pathways to meaningful, well-paying careers,” said Darrell T. Allison, chancellor at Fayetteville State University. “By partnering with Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), Metcon, Habitat for Humanity, industry leaders, and local government, we're creating a seamless educational journey that will strengthen our regional economy and provide life-changing opportunities for our students.”
“This new Construction Project Management program at FSU is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships can create real opportunity and by connecting education with industry and community needs, we’re not only preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers—we’re also investing in the long-term growth of Fayetteville,” said Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. “Programs like this strengthen our workforce, support economic development, and build a more resilient, prosperous future for our city.”
According to Monica T. Leach, provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, the new program features a transfer-friendly environment, allowing FTCC associate degree holders to continue their education at FSU and was developed with input from industry professionals, includes courses in construction materials and methods, structural analysis and design, cost estimation, project planning, construction law, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and sustainable construction practices.
The impact of this program and partnership was echoed by FTCC’s engineering and applied technology dean, Pamela Gibson. “The Construction Project Management program is a wonderful example of postsecondary institutions, community partners, and employers collaborating to provide a wide range of educational opportunities, from technical certifications to advanced degrees, to maintain a strong and adaptable local workforce. Career pathways such as this support lifelong learning and enable students and workers to upskill or transition into new careers.”
A distinctive feature of the program is its extensive industry partnerships, which will provide students with internships, co-op experiences, capstone projects, and guest lectures from industry professionals. A partnership with Habitat for Humanity is set to offer students hands-on experience while contributing to community development.
“With approximately 520,900 construction managers currently employed in the United States and an anticipated 41,500 new jobs by 2031, this program is both timely and essential,” said Ulysses Taylor, dean of the Broadwell College of Business and Economics at FSU.
The program addresses a critical workforce need. Employment data shows that approximately 520,900 construction managers are currently employed in the United States, and 41,500 new jobs are expected by 2031,” Taylor added.
The new Construction Project Management program is scheduled to open Fall 2025, pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It represents a significant addition to FSU’s career-focused academic offerings. Once approved, plans for the program include seeking accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), developing graduate certificate programs in specialized areas, offering industry certifications such as OSHA 30-Hour and LEED Sustainability, and creating enhanced 5+1 partnerships with NC State University and UNC Charlotte.