Published September 30, 2026

CAPTION:Pictured L-R: Randy Alford, Louisiana Associated General Contractors; Ken Naquin, CETF Sec./Treasurer; Jerry Brasher, Lincoln Builders; Michael McDuff, CETF Chair; Dr. Clint Martin, ULM SOCM Director; Dr. Carrie L. Castille, ULM President; Gary Hollander; Dr. Arturo Rodriguez, Dean of ULM College of Business and Social Sciences  

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MONROE, La. – The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) and the Contractors’ Educational Trust Fund (CETF) presented a $229,000 donation to the ULM Foundation for the ULM School of Construction Management at a ceremony held on September 25, 2026. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors and the Contractors’ Educational Trust Fund for their continued support of our Construction Management Program,” said ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille. “ULM is focused on aligning programs with industry needs and building the workforce of tomorrow. Our School of Construction Management is a prime example of this. We are thankful for a construction industry that pours into the education of its next generation.” 

To date, the LSLBC and CETF have donated nearly $4.5 million combined to the ULM School of Construction Management. 

“The construction industry in Louisiana is unique. The people in Louisiana in the construction industry can make things happen,” said Michael McDuff, Chairman of the CETF. We are so proud of our partnership with ULM and other Louisiana schools because our industry gives back. There are very few industries like the construction industry that do this.”  

The funds for the donation come from licensing fees paid by contractors in the state to the LSLBC, which are then distributed to accredited schools of construction in Louisiana, including ULM, Louisiana Tech, LSU, and a two-year accredited program at Baton Rouge Community College.  

The many years of support from these organizations have allowed the School of Construction Management to improve facilities, technology, and student experiences.  

This year’s annual presentation coincided with a meeting of the School of Construction Management’s Industry Advisory Council (IAC). The IAC consists of construction industry professionals who meet to advise the School of Construction Management on industry trends and ensure that the curriculum is keeping in step with current needs.  

“I am very grateful to have you all here as a group of people who are very engaged in helping our construction management program grow, and we are very thankful for this gift that helps us keep growing,” said Dr. Arturo Rodriguez, Dean of the ULM College of Business and Social Sciences. “When students graduate, they continue to be engaged with our program because they have seen your example of staying engaged.” 

The School of Construction Management’s job placement rate is consistently high, with many seniors accepting positions prior to graduation from some of the nation’s top companies. The starting salaries of graduates are among 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/.