Sundt Construction Supports $1M Infrastructure Professorship at Northern Arizona University

Highlights

• Sundt Construction is contributing $100,000 toward a $1 million endowed infrastructure professorship at Northern Arizona University.
• The Beavers Endowed Distinguished Professorship of Infrastructure will be housed in NAU’s Steve Sanghi College of Engineering.
• Funding will support faculty, curriculum development and industry-focused learning opportunities.
• Construction companies are providing input on engineering and construction management curriculum.
• Sundt has partnered with NAU’s construction management program since the late 1990s.

Arizona’s construction industry is adding a new university-based resource for infrastructure education as Northern Arizona University establishes its first endowed faculty position in the engineering college. Sundt Construction is contributing $100,000 to the $1 million endowment, alongside The Beavers Charitable Trust and other construction industry partners.

Infrastructure Professorship Takes Shape at NAU

The Beavers Endowed Distinguished Professorship of Infrastructure will be based in NAU’s Steve Sanghi College of Engineering. The endowment is intended to fund faculty activities, curriculum development and practical learning experiences connected to infrastructure construction.

The initiative brings construction industry representatives into the development of engineering and construction management coursework. Participating contractors are providing input on course content and the skills needed by infrastructure employers.

The effort is focused on preparing students for infrastructure work in Arizona, where construction companies require engineering and construction management professionals with both technical education and practical industry knowledge.

Sundt Builds on NAU Partnership

Sundt has maintained a relationship with NAU’s construction management program since the late 1990s. Its involvement has included recruiting events, sponsorships, curriculum support and employee participation in guest lectures.

Sundt employees also contribute industry perspectives to course development, giving students exposure to construction practices and project requirements before entering the workforce.

The company's $100,000 contribution forms part of the broader $1 million endowment established by The Beavers Charitable Trust and five construction companies.

Why It Matters

The endowed position creates a long-term academic resource focused specifically on infrastructure while giving construction industry participants a role in curriculum development.

For contractors and infrastructure owners, programs that combine engineering education with industry input can support development of the technical and construction management workforce needed for future projects. The initiative also provides a structured channel for construction companies to engage with students before they enter the industry

Source: Sundt.