Learning Through Experience

Learning through experience

Participating in the construction of an authentic, turn-of-the-century one room schoolhouse on the Missouri State campus was a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many Construction Management majors. These students, both male and female, had a hand in all phases of the construction process from the foundation to the bell tower. Under the supervision and direction of Dr. Shawn Strong, department head of industrial management, and the leadership of superintendent of the project, Chad Crouch, these students built the 20'x30' structure to specifications; including the proper materials of the day such as "dutch lap" siding, shake shingles and bead board interior walls. A vintage pot -belly stove fitted with a gas insert will provide heat in the winter but, in keeping with the standards of authenticity, the modern convenience of air conditioning in the summer will not be present.

"This project has given our students a chance to gain first-hand experience both managing and building a structure from the ground-up. Construction Management students often get experience managing and building Habitat for Humanity houses, but this project is a bit more true to what they will find when they graduate," says Dr. Strong. "Chad Crouch has done a fantastic job of overseeing the crew's work and has managed the schedule so that everything will be done by the opening ceremony May 12."

Although nearly 100 students had a hand in the project to some degree, the following students and faculty members contributed a considerable amount of time and effort to this project: Rebecca J. Adair, Corey M. Bradley, Tony W. Brune, Blake A. Bryant, Ryan A. Gibson, Aaron J. Henerson, Joe A. Hibbits, Brooks E. Innes, Dr. Steven McCrary, Joseph P. Rahn, Dr. John Reposa, Zachary D. Reynolds, Steven D. Rhodes, Phillip Richardson, James M. Robinson, Jeffrey S. Sly, and Dr. Shawn Strong.