Florida Construction News staff writer
The University of West Florida celebrated the grand opening of Building 80 on its Pensacola campus, unveiling a remodeled facility that will house the new civil engineering program and the Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Program.
The $1.5 million renovation includes three new wet and dry labs designed to give students hands-on experience with construction materials. A trade demonstration area, known as the construction yard, will allow students to practice masonry, carpentry, welding, and other specialty trades, while also serving as a space for lab-based construction projects.
“The upgraded facility reflects the University’s commitment to academic innovation and preparing graduates to meet regional and national workforce needs in design, construction and sustainability,” said Dr. Mohamed Khabou, dean of the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. “Both the civil engineering and the construction management programs will produce highly-qualified graduates to fill high-paying jobs in the local economy.”
The building also features a soils lab that complements the Structures II course, enabling students to conduct exercises in soil and concrete mechanics, including Standard and Modified Proctor tests, Atterberg Limits, and soil classification.
Renovations were supported by major donors, including a $250,000 gift to the Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Scholarship Endowment. The endowment, named in memory of the 2015 UWF graduate, will provide scholarships to construction management students.
“Our family has always been proud of Tyler and his commitment to helping those around him,” said Kathleen Norwood Shear. “We are thankful to honor his life and legacy through this endowment that will help current and future students in the Tyler C. Norwood Construction Management Program.”
For more information, visit uwf.edu/hmcse.
