A Kansas State University construction management graduate has received a scholarship recognizing leadership and career development in the mechanical contracting industry.
Cole McClure was awarded one of two Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarships during the Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s 2026 awards program in Phoenix. Each scholarship provides $5,000 to a student who has served as president of an MCAA student chapter.
The scholarship was established by Armistead Mechanical Inc. and Susan Armistead in memory of Robert T. Armistead, who served as MCAA president in 2010. The program recognizes his contributions to mechanical contracting while supporting students entering the industry.
McClure was part of the Kansas State University MCAA student chapter from 2024 through 2026. During that period, he served as Student Chapter Competition Chair and later as chapter president.
He graduated in May with a degree in construction management and transitioned into a full-time position with U.S. Engineering after completing internships with the mechanical contracting company beginning in 2024.
His experience has included exposure to mechanical project work, prefabrication and project logistics. These areas provide construction management students with insight into how mechanical systems, scheduling and fabrication processes interact during project delivery.
McClure has also identified the range of mechanical contracting work as an important part of his career path, particularly projects involving complex building systems, mission-critical facilities and life-safety applications.
Industry scholarship programs provide contractors and associations with a way to connect students with career opportunities while strengthening the future workforce.
McClure plans to remain involved with his local MCA chapter through its Young Professionals Committee. He also has expressed interest in eventually participating in a national committee focused on career development.
The scholarship reflects a broader industry emphasis on developing students who combine construction education with practical experience, leadership and involvement in professional organizations.
Mechanical contractors continue to require workers with knowledge spanning project management, logistics, prefabrication, building systems and emerging technologies. Supporting students during the transition from college into the industry can help create a pipeline of professionals equipped for those responsibilities.
The Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarship demonstrates how industry associations, contractors and foundations can support construction-management students entering mechanical contracting. McClure’s progression from student chapter leadership and internships to full-time employment also illustrates a workforce pathway that connects education, industry experience and professional development.
Source: MCAA.
