History

John Brown founded JBU (Southwestern Collegiate Institute), a two-year college, in 1919. His philosophy of education was three-fold; a commitment to training the head (academic excellence), heart (religious studies), and hand (essential professional training). He also desired to establish an "educational institution that would put God first...side by side with the highest standards of intellectual development”. In 1924 John Brown University became a 4-year tuition based school. To supplement their tuition however, students were required to do a considerable amount of practical work that was eventually formalized into a system of vocational training units related to the major field of study. The majors offered included engineering, education, and building construction. Accreditation of the University was first achieved in 1962.

J. O. Ball started the Building Construction Department in 1939 with Charles Willis joining the department in 1946. In addition to teaching, Mr. Willis was involved in supervising the furniture factory as well as the design and construction supervision of many of the campus buildings. The curriculum evolved through the years reflecting changes in the construction industry and university mandates. In 1968 John Brown University became a member of the Associated Schools of Construction that provided a valuable source of information about similar programs at other schools. In 1975 the American Council for Construction Education was authorized to accredit construction programs. ACCE guidelines then became the focus for curriculum development in subsequent years. The program has been accredited by ACCE since 1998.

The Building Construction / Construction Management program has always had a very practical emphasis. We continue to believe that there is no substitute for experience. To that end the curriculum is structured to provide a strong balance of application in the areas of the head, heart, and hand as a continuation of the founders dream. In addition, to help support this distinctive, the CM faculty are encouraged to be involved as professionals in their field of expertise along with their teaching.

There are approximately 300 graduates of the program employed in a variety of positions in the construction industry. A recent survey indicates that they are quite satisfied with the education they received.