Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced a $2 million endowed gift from Gray, a nationally recognized construction and engineering firm, to advance EKU’s Construction Management program and strengthen one of Kentucky’s most in-demand workforce pipelines.
The gift establishes an endowed professorship, funding a permanent faculty position in EKU’s Construction Management program. The endowed professorship will allow EKU to recruit and hire a new faculty member and ensure the role will remain in place in perpetuity, supporting generations of students.
“We are grateful for Gray’s partnership with EKU, which has spanned multiple decades and created meaningful opportunities for our students,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our construction management program is vital in shaping the infrastructure of the Commonwealth, and our graduates are helping to build and maintain it. This investment not only strengthens that work, but also marks the beginning of a broader effort to bring together alumni and industry partners in support of our students, expanding opportunities for scholarships, hands-on learning spaces and internships that ensure graduates are workforce-ready. We appreciate Gray for taking the lead in this effort.”
Gray, the choice partner for industrial companies seeking design and construction services, employs nearly 150 EKU alumni, with about 25% beginning their careers at Gray through internships.
“We’re extremely proud of this partnership and the role EKU has played in shaping so many of the people who make Gray what it is today,” said Stephen Gray, President and CEO, Gray, Inc. “As we look ahead, we’re excited about what we can continue to build together, to create a stronger workforce for the industry and Kentucky.”
The continued collaboration between EKU and Gray provides valuable real-world learning experiences for students while helping meet needs across the Commonwealth.
“At Gray, as you can imagine, we talk a lot about building – building facilities, partnerships and most importantly, people. And that starts long before someone ever steps onto a job site or into our offices,” said Rebekah Gray, President and CEO, Gray Construction. “For decades, EKU has been a place where that foundation is built, and we have been fortunate to witness it firsthand through internships, career fairs and the many EKU graduates who have joined our team.”
Enrollment in EKU’s Construction Management program has increased 41% over the past two years, reflecting growing student interest and industry demand for skilled professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction management industry is expected to grow by 9%, much faster than the average for other occupations.
Chris Schumacher, an EKU Construction Management graduate and Business Unit Leader with Gray, said the program is built around real industry experience and preparing students for the future.
“To see Gray, the company I’m proud to be a part of, invest in the very program that helped shape my path—it really comes full circle,” said Chris Schumacher.
Nearly all EKU Construction Management students secure employment shortly after graduation, with 99% finding jobs within three months and more than 90% earning a median starting salary of $65,000.
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