Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Construction Engineering and Management Education

Namhun Lee; Thomas SJ Kim; Jiyong Choi

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Conference: 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Publication Date: June 22, 2025
Start Date: June 22, 2025
End Date: August 15, 2025
Conference Session: Construction Engineering Division: Best of Construction
Tagged Division: Construction Engineering Division (CONST)
Tagged Topic: Diversity
Page Count: 14
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/56408

Paper Authors

biography

Namhun Lee Central Connecticut State University

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Dr. Namhun Lee is a professor of Construction Management at Central Connecticut State University. His research focuses on leveraging emerging technologies to improve construction efficiency and collaboration. He is also dedicated to advancing construction education and training through innovative technologies and pedagogical approaches.

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Thomas SJ Kim Minnesota State University, Mankato

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Thomas SJ Kim is a Ph. D. in Building Construction. He had diverse teaching experiences in K-16 settings. His primary interests in research are class environments in teaching and performance improvements based on the team work and team alignment in cons

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Jiyong Choi Central Connecticut State University

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Dr. Choi is an assistant professor of construction management at Central Connecticut State University. His research interests include capital project benchmarking, project data analytics, and automated performance assessment.

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Abstract

The current focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within education reflects a broader societal push to address longstanding disparities, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields such as construction engineering and management. As industries become more complex and globalized, the need for diverse perspectives and inclusive practices has grown increasingly urgent. This is especially true in construction, where innovation and problem-solving benefit from varied viewpoints. Despite the growing recognition of DEI's importance, construction engineering and management programs remain significantly male-dominated, with female and minority representation still disproportionately low. In response, many educational institutions have launched DEI initiatives aimed at bridging this gap. These initiatives seek to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. The significance of these efforts lies not only in meeting equity goals but also in preparing a diverse workforce that reflects the increasingly diverse society and client base the construction industry serves. This paper examines the implementation and impact of DEI initiatives within construction engineering and management programs. Despite various efforts across industries, construction engineering and management remain male-dominated fields, posing challenges for female and minority students and professionals. This study explores university-led initiatives designed to address these challenges, focusing on increasing enrollment, retention, and engagement of underrepresented groups. Key strategies include targeted outreach, holistic support systems, inclusive curriculum design, and robust industry partnerships. The results demonstrate significant improvements in enrollment and retention rates for women and minority students, enhanced student engagement, and better academic performance. Collaborative efforts between academia and industry are highlighted as crucial for preparing a diverse and innovative workforce. Lessons learned emphasize the importance of early engagement, continuous assessment, faculty and staff training, and creating a culture of inclusion. The findings provide valuable insights for educational institutions and industry stakeholders aiming to foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive construction sector.

Citation
Format

Lee, N., & Kim, T. S., & Choi, J. (2025, June), Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Construction Engineering and Management Education Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/56408

TY - CPAPER
AB - The current focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within education reflects a broader societal push to address longstanding disparities, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields such as construction engineering and management. As industries become more complex and globalized, the need for diverse perspectives and inclusive practices has grown increasingly urgent. This is especially true in construction, where innovation and problem-solving benefit from varied viewpoints. Despite the growing recognition of DEI&#39;s importance, construction engineering and management programs remain significantly male-dominated, with female and minority representation still disproportionately low. In response, many educational institutions have launched DEI initiatives aimed at bridging this gap. These initiatives seek to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. The significance of these efforts lies not only in meeting equity goals but also in preparing a diverse workforce that reflects the increasingly diverse society and client base the construction industry serves. This paper examines the implementation and impact of DEI initiatives within construction engineering and management programs. Despite various efforts across industries, construction engineering and management remain male-dominated fields, posing challenges for female and minority students and professionals. This study explores university-led initiatives designed to address these challenges, focusing on increasing enrollment, retention, and engagement of underrepresented groups. Key strategies include targeted outreach, holistic support systems, inclusive curriculum design, and robust industry partnerships. The results demonstrate significant improvements in enrollment and retention rates for women and minority students, enhanced student engagement, and better academic performance. Collaborative efforts between academia and industry are highlighted as crucial for preparing a diverse and innovative workforce. Lessons learned emphasize the importance of early engagement, continuous assessment, faculty and staff training, and creating a culture of inclusion. The findings provide valuable insights for educational institutions and industry stakeholders aiming to foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive construction sector.
AU - Namhun Lee
AU - Thomas SJ Kim
AU - Jiyong Choi
CY - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
DA - 2025/06/22
PB - ASEE Conferences
TI - Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Construction Engineering and Management Education
UR - https://peer.asee.org/56408
ER -