New Department Head in Construction Management Focused on Department and Industry

Colorado State University’s College of Applied Human Sciences has named a new department head for Construction Management. Mostafa Khattab, who has served as the associate department head and interim department head, was named to the position after a national search.

"Mostafa Khattab is unique in that he thinks of his colleagues as the construction management family," said April Mason, dean of the college. "He is most focused on progress in the department and he knows it will take partnership, people and professional connections to fulfill that vision. He brings a wealth of experience in construction education, research and student learning to this position."

A native of Egypt, Khattab earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Helwan before completing his Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Khattab has served as professor at Colorado State since 2002. He taught for 14 years in the Department of Construction Management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

During his career at Colorado State, Khattab has spearheaded an international partnership between Colorado State and the University of Helwan in Egypt.  

The partnership, which involved sending construction management faculty to Egypt to develop a multi-disciplinary construction management program, has led to additional international collaborations. The project was funded by a grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

"The Colorado State Department of Construction Management has positioned itself as one of the nation’s premier programs," said John Beeble, president and CEO of Saunders Construction Inc. and member of the search committee. "Mostafa Khattab is an excellent choice to lead this program forward with a clear vision, passion for teaching, connection with students and understanding of the needs of the construction industry. We are excited about the future of construction management at Colorado State University under his leadership."

Khattab is the recent past president of the Associated Schools of Construction and served as a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, Society for Engineering and Management Systems, American Institute of Constructors and the American Society for Engineering Education. Khattab was named 2005 Educator of the Year by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America.

"Our construction management family includes outstanding faculty and staff and unflagging support of industry, alumni and friends," Khattab said. "Our faculty members are participating in critical research that directly impacts the industry. Our students consistently receive high marks and acclaim at national and regional competitions. I look forward to partnering with industry and building on this outstanding foundation to bring the program to the next level."

Construction management is the most popular major at Colorado State University. The program has a 100 percent placement rate for graduating students. Hallmarks of the program include the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association Asphalt Laboratory, revolutionary 5D modeling software donated by Vico Software Inc. and an emphasis on green building led by the Institute for the Built Environment. The department’s newly renovated Guggenheim Hall and a strong scholarship program are supported by the construction industry.

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