EDWARDSVILLE – The Department of Construction in the School of Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has received a $600,000 commitment from the Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) and the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP), supporting student recruitment and workforce development in the construction management profession.
The three-year investment will fund recruitment awards for students entering the program and support a strategic marketing campaign to increase enrollment and awareness of the construction management program at SIUE. The partnership between SIBA, SICAP and SIUE reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, workforce development and the long-term growth of the construction industry throughout the Southern Illinois region and beyond.
“The generous $600,000 investment from SIBA and SICAP represents a transformative opportunity for the construction program at SIUE,” said Cem Karacal, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Engineering at SIUE. “The partnership demonstrates the strong confidence that industry leaders have in our students, faculty and program, and it will play a critical role in increasing enrollment and preparing the next generation of construction leaders. This valuable support will strengthen our efforts to expand educational opportunities and help address the growing workforce needs of the construction industry throughout our region.”
SIBA and SICAP represent regional construction companies that are experiencing growing workforce shortages across the industry. Leaders from both organizations identified investment in education and student recruitment as a direct way to help develop future industry professionals while strengthening the regional economy.
“SIBA and SICAP are proud to support a program that consistently demonstrates excellence in preparing students for successful careers in construction,” said Donna Richter, CEO of SIBA and administrator for SICAP. “This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening the talent pipeline and ensuring the long-term success of the construction industry in Southern Illinois.”
To further support enrollment growth and program visibility, the department selected Edwardsville-based Cork Tree Creative as its strategic marketing partner to lead a comprehensive student recruitment campaign.
“Construction management offers students the opportunity to step into a meaningful, high-demand career with strong long-term growth potential,” said Jan Carpenter, co-founder at Cork Tree Creative. “As a company with strong ties to SIUE and the Edwardsville community, we are proud to partner with the university to help elevate awareness of this exceptional program and connect future students with the opportunities available within the construction industry.”
SIUE’s fully accredited construction management program blends business and engineering coursework to prepare students for careers in the construction industry and advancement within the field. Graduates pursue careers in areas including project management, bid estimation, field supervision, company leadership and business ownership. The curriculum emphasizes engineering fundamentals, construction management practices and procedures and business coursework to build a strong foundation for professional success.
The recruitment campaign supported by SIBA and SICAP is expected to launch in August 2026. To learn more about SIUE’s construction management program, visit their website.
About Southern Illinois University Edwardsville:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater. A premier metropolitan university, SIUE is creating social and economic mobility for individuals while also powering the workforce of the future. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Home to a diverse student body, SIUE is situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis.?
About Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) and Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP):
SIBA and SICAP are leading trade associations dedicated to serving the construction industry in Southern Illinois. For more than 40 years, SIBA has supported contractors, craft professionals, and industry partners through advocacy, education, workforce development, and safety initiatives. For more information, visit www.siba-agc.org.
