SMSU teaches tomorrow's construction professionals

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Scott Amos is professor and head of the department of industrial management at Southwest Missouri State University.|ret||ret||tab|

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As a community of construction industry professionals and university professors who are striving to increase the productivity, quality, safety and competitiveness of our industry, community, and nation, the department of industrial management at Southwest Missouri State University proudly supports the 2003 Salute to Construction theme of "Building Communities, Careers, and Lives." |ret||ret||tab|

With the mission of "preparing technically oriented professionals to provide leadership in construction and manufacturing enterprises through nationally accredited undergraduate industrial management/technology programs," and a redefined vision for the development and advancement of construction education, the SMSU construction management program has grown to more than 150 students. The management of construction has changed and expanded dramatically in the 21st century. These changes have resulted in increased responsibilities and obligations for the professional constructor.|ret||ret||tab|

The professional constructor is an individual who commits to serve the construction industry in a professional and ethical manner and engages in the continued development of his or her skills and education to meet increasing industry challenges and changes. With a clear vision of its responsibility to the public as it seeks to best serve the construction profession and the student, the faculty and staff of the department of industrial management at SMSU are dedicated to this goal of quality education and committed to the principle of balanced input, professional, educator and public interest.|ret||ret||tab|

Guidance and support for this endeavor comes directly from a construction industry advisory board of construction professionals from throughout the state.|ret||ret||tab|

Missouri's construction industry cannot be competitive, productive or profitable without having the strongest base of educated men and women, well trained in math, science, English and technology. The department of industrial management believes this premise is essential for the economic well-being of the construction industry and our community. Construction is a highly technical career field and, unfortunately, many students do not prepare themselves academically for the technical skills needed in a career in construction while still in high school. Nor do students understand or perhaps are never told of the wide variety of choices from the theoretical to the applied, from engineer to tradesperson that are available to them in a career in construction. |ret||ret||tab|

To address this compelling need SMSU, through the Center for Industrial Productivity (CIP), has formed a partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City Center for Construction Excellence (CCE) and local industry to host the "Middle School Design Build Competition." This partnership, based on a highly successful model for work force development, economic development and educational reform, combines the industry's construction curriculum products with the educational standards that fulfill the mainstream teacher's competency requirements. The program has been developed to improve the image of construction, increase science, math, English, and technology (SMET) scores, and create an awareness and interest in students to enter a career in construction. By addressing the SMET achievement gap, this program teaches teachers how their competencies are used in the world of work. This program also answers the student question of "When will I ever need this?"|ret||ret||tab|

The initial regional competition date is tentatively set for Feb. 24 in Springfield. Winning teams will be invited to the national competition held in Kansas City. |ret||ret||tab|

The SMSU point of contact, Scott Amos, head of the department of industrial management and Center for Industrial Productivity, may be reached at (417) 836-5121.|ret||ret||tab|

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