Tarleton construction science students ace Las Vegas competition

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STEPHENVILLE (February 27, 2019) – Eight students representing Tarleton State University earned the Rookie of the Year Award at the recent International Builders’ Show – Residential Construction Management Competition in Las Vegas.

The Tarleton team of Mikayla Holder, Jonathan Sovereign, Martin Wright, Tye Alexander, Heidi Edwards, Logan Ostrander, Brendan Gore and Kailey Marksberry was led by coach and mentor Dr. Orlando Bagcal.

Additionally, Gore received the Outstanding Student Award.

“The IBS student competition gave the students the opportunity to put everything they’ve learned in the classroom into a real-world scenario and application,” Gore said. “It was a great learning experience for all of us.”

Bagcal, an assistant professor of construction science and management, is proud of his team in its first effort in Las Vegas.

“Through this prestigious competition, the students were able to showcase their learned knowledge and skills in construction management,” he said. “I can say that our construction management program at Tarleton State is at par with known universities in the U.S. offering the same degree.”

The students had to prepare a proposal to acquire and develop land for residential use, factoring in market analysis, product design and selection, site design, cost estimate and schedule, site management and logistics, sales and marketing strategy, financial analysis, risk analysis and sustainability.

The property was a site in Coweta, Okla., that had to be purchased from senior executives at a large central Oklahoma home builder. Team members also were required to report the project’s potential profit as an internal rate of return (IRR).

“I enjoyed the competition,” said team member Edwards. “It allowed the opportunity for us to work with others as a team.” Added Ostrander: “I realized how large the IBS is, and it gave us the chance to experience networking and learning more about the construction industry.”

The competition featured teams from 39 universities from across the United States and participating countries. Sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders – Student Chapter it is a highlight of the annual International Builders’ Show, the largest convention of its kind, hosting approximately 85,000 attendees.

A $1,500 grant from the IBS National Housing Endowment, Travel Scholarship Program, helped defray costs for the Tarleton students.

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