Oklahoma State University, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology recognized as Excellent University

Friday, March 1, 2013

Oklahoma State University has been given an Excellent University Award from the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for student and faculty efforts to support the industry.

OSU is one of sixteen schools to earn an ACI Excellent University Award for 2012. More than 60 other universities around the world with ACI student chapters were eligible for the award, as well as a number of other universities with faculty involved in ACI committees and research projects.

The ACI award for University Student Activities identifies the universities that qualify for excellent or outstanding status, based on points received for their participation in select ACI-related activities and programs. Points are based on the student involvement in industry activities and competitions, as well as community outreach.

“The majority of the points were gained because of the significant number of ACI student members at OSU and the significant activity of our students and faculty in committees at the National American Concrete Institute meetings in Toronto and Dallas,” said Tyler Ley, assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering.  “Our faculty members are also regular presenters and technical experts for several local offices, including the Oklahoma Transportation Center and Oklahoma Department of Transportation.”

Student involvement in other industry events, including the Concrete Canoe Competition, hosted by American Society of Civil Engineers, and community service projects by faculty and students were also factors in the award.

“Our group uses the extra concrete from our laboratory research to make concrete stepping stones for the community," said Ley.  "We have helped place these stones in many parks, homes and low-water areas where erosion is a large concern.   All of the materials and time were donated from OSU civil engineering students, faculty and staff,” said Ley.

ACI Excellent University Award winners will be formally announced at ACI convention in Minneapolis, MN in April 2013.