Ryan Penlerick, a faculty member at Texas State University, has been elected to the board of directors of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), taking on the role of Director of Region 5.
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The appointment highlights Penlerick’s growing national influence in construction education and reflects the university’s continued commitment to strengthening academic-industry collaboration.
Founded in 1965, ASC is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing construction education by connecting educators, researchers and industry professionals. With more than 140 member institutions, the organization plays a key role in shaping curriculum standards, fostering research and supporting student development through competitions and conferences.
In his new role, Penlerick will help guide regional initiatives, support member schools and contribute to the strategic direction of ASC at the national level. His election signals increasing recognition of his contributions to both academia and the construction industry.
At Texas State University, Penlerick serves as professor of practice and program director of the Concrete Industry Management program—one of the leading programs of its kind in the United States. In this role, he oversees program development, curriculum delivery and industry engagement.
His leadership is expected to further enhance collaboration between universities and construction firms, particularly in areas such as workforce development, applied research and hands-on training.
Penlerick brings more than 26 years of experience spanning construction operations, education and military service. He began his career in northern Colorado, working in project management and estimating, while also serving as a civil engineer with the Air National Guard in Wyoming and Texas.
He later advanced into senior leadership roles, including vice president at a San Antonio-based general contractor, before launching his own commercial construction company in New Braunfels. Over the course of his career, he has led nearly $2 billion in projects across 10 states, giving him a broad perspective on both field operations and executive leadership.
This combination of real-world experience and academic expertise positions him to contribute meaningfully to ASC’s mission of improving construction education nationwide.
Penlerick’s appointment comes at a time when the construction industry is facing ongoing workforce challenges, rapid technological change and increasing demand for skilled professionals. Organizations like ASC play a critical role in aligning educational programs with industry needs.
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By strengthening ties between academia and the construction sector, ASC helps ensure that graduates are better prepared for evolving jobsite demands, including digital construction tools, sustainability practices and complex project delivery methods.
Penlerick’s involvement at the board level is expected to support these efforts, particularly in developing strategies that enhance student outcomes, promote innovation and address long-term labor shortages.
His election also reinforces Texas State University’s growing presence in national construction education leadership, positioning the institution as a key contributor to shaping the future of the built environment.
Originally reported by Jayme Blaschke in Texas State University.
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