Clemson professor recognized by construction industry

CLEMSON, SC — Roger W. Liska, professor and chair of Clemson University’s department of construction science and management, has won the ABC Kirby Award, the most prestigious award given by the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas (ABC). The award was presented Aug. 7 in Charlotte.

“We are proud to recognize Dr. Liska for his years of supporting the industry,” said Doug Carlson, ABC president and CEO. “Education, training and getting young people interested in our industry have been a passion for his entire career. Dr. Liska is ‘Mr. Construction’ in our industry.”

Liska joined the Clemson faculty in 1983. He has served as chair of the department twice, and was most recently appointed in 2008 following a national search.

“Dr. Liska’s vision — not just for the Clemson program but for the construction industry at large — has been rewarding for all involved,” said Richard Goodstein, dean of the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. “Not only have his students benefitted by their close association with industry, but the industry has been rewarded by its support of Clemson’s research and outreach. The Corporate Partners program that Roger developed and nurtured is an inspired model for collaboration and support.”

In addition to his teaching in the program and serving as department chair, Liska teaches in Clemson’s doctoral program in planning, design and the built environment. He directs the university’s Center for Improvement of Construction Management and Processes.

Liska’s research centers on implementation of the “Construction Best Practices” developed by faculty in his department. He is actively engaged with program accreditation panels in the U.S., Canada, China and England, and was invited to join a U.S. government task force to develop a professional job career series for construction managers.

“He is a champion in his field,” Goodstein added. “Clemson is lucky to have his leadership and commitment.”

The ABC Kirby Award is named for Tom Kirby, retired from Austin Industrial, a key founding ABC member.

Clemson University Department of Construction Science and Management

Clemson offers a Bachelor of Science in construction science and management, a Master of Construction Science and Management and a certificate degree. The Clemson program is known for its rigor, requiring undergraduate students to gain 800 hours of direct construction experience in addition to their coursework. Students may opt to study abroad in Australia or England during their junior year.

Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas

The ABC of the Carolinas represents the merit construction contractors and related firms in the Carolinas as a chapter of ABC, a national association representing more than 23,000 members.