Published October 2, 2023
CAPTION: Representatives from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, the Contractors
Education Trust Fund, and local members of the state legislative delegation attended the check presentation.
MONROE, LA – The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) and the Contractors’
Education Trust Fund (CEFT) presented a $254,300.84 donation to the ULM Foundation
for the ULM School of Construction Management at a ceremony held September 28, 2023.
ULM President Dr. Ron Berry thanked the groups for the donation and applauded their
advocacy for the School of Construction Management’s students and faculty, as well
as the construction industry. “It makes a huge difference when we’re all working together,”
said Berry.
To date, the LSLBC has donated nearly $2.7 million to ULM's School of Construction
Management, and the CETF has given $1.2 million plus funded a $1 million endowed chair
that is now worth $1.9 million.
The many years of support from these organizations have allowed the School of Construction
Management to improve facilities, technology, and student experiences.
“The construction industry in Louisiana does so much to give back,” said Michael McDuff,
Executive Director of the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. “The LSLBC
is a vehicle for this donation. This is all coming from the leadership of the construction
industry,” he added.
The LSLBC and the CETF know graduates from the ULM School of Construction Management
are among the best in the world at what they do.
Dr. Michelle McEacharn, Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences, noted
an increase in Construction Management enrollment this semester and also thanked the
LSLBC and CETF, saying “you have set an example for others.”
Dr. Clint Martin is the new Director of the School of Construction Management, stepping
into the role on September 1. Martin said he hopes to use the donation to augment
the program with more modern touches and continue to increase enrollment. “The big
idea is to grow the program to where we’re meeting the needs of the industry,” said
Martin.
Special guests at the presentation included State Representative Michael Echols, State
Representative Foy Gadberry, State Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr., and State Senator
Glen Womack.
The School has a 100 percent passage rate on licensing examinations, and a 100 percent
placement rate, with most seniors accepting positions before they graduate. The starting
salaries of graduates are the highest in the university’s undergraduate programs.
To learn more about the School of Construction Management, please visit https://www.ulm.edu/cbss/construction/program/.
