In a dynamic shift that is reshaping the landscape of professional education, Collin College’s Construction Management program is witnessing a remarkable transformation, steadily becoming a beacon for women aspiring to leadership roles in the industry. What was once a predominantly male domain is now embracing diversity, with Collin College at the forefront of this inclusive movement.
Just four years after Craig Johnson introduced his invaluable real-world experience and visionary leadership to the Allen campus, the Construction Management program at Collin College has experienced explosive growth. This year’s freshman class proudly boasts an impressive 22 percent female enrollment. This figure is twice the national average of 11 percent for women in the construction workforce, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlighting Collin College’s pioneering efforts in fostering an equitable and diverse construction industry workforce. This significant increase is not merely a statistic but a testament to a changing industry and a college committed to preparing all students for success.
“There’s a growing understanding across society that women are fully capable and should be pursuing every available career opportunity, including those in construction,” states Craig Johnson, Director of Architecture and Construction Programs at Collin College. He emphasizes, “The construction industry is now proactively seeking out female professionals because their contributions are genuinely valued. Historically, women often possess an exceptional eye for detail and superior communication skills – two qualities that are incredibly important and highly sought after in construction management.” This proactive approach by the industry, coupled with Collin College’s welcoming environment, is creating unparalleled opportunities for women.
Accessible Excellence: The Unbeatable Affordability of Collin College’s Construction Program
Beyond its impressive strides in gender diversity, Collin College’s Construction Management program has rapidly garnered significant attention and high-profile endorsements, largely due to its commitment to affordability and accessibility. Industry leaders recognize the immense value it brings to aspiring construction professionals.
Jennifer Clarke Johnson, founder and president of Plano-based homebuilding company Olivia Clarke Homes, herself a respected figure in a field where women remain a minority, understands the challenges firsthand. She asserts that it requires immense inner confidence, resilience, and fortitude to thrive in such an environment. “I am absolutely delighted that Collin College has made an education in construction management so accessible and incredibly affordable for a broader range of individuals, particularly for our aspiring female workforce,” she remarks.
Jennifer Clarke Johnson, who is not related to Craig Johnson, highlights the critical advantage of foundational knowledge. “If women can arrive at a construction job site with solid classroom knowledge and practical skills already acquired, they are far more likely to possess the necessary tools and the crucial confidence to excel. Reflecting on my own journey, I truly wish that construction management education had been as accessible and readily available to me. It would have allowed me to step onto the job with at least an even playing field of knowledge right from the start. Fortunately, I was blessed with many incredible mentors who invested heavily in my on-the-job education. Without their guidance and support, I would certainly not be where I am today.” Her experience underscores the transformative power of formal education, which Collin College is now providing.
In addition to actively recruiting and creating a welcoming environment for women, the program’s unparalleled affordability stands as a major draw for prospective students. Collin College boasts the lowest tuition rates in the entire state of Texas, offering an incredible opportunity to earn a comprehensive four-year bachelor’s degree in Construction Management for an estimated total cost of just $15,000. This makes a high-quality education within reach for a much wider demographic, removing significant financial barriers that often deter students from pursuing higher education in specialized fields.
“We are strategically located in what could arguably be called the mecca of construction for the entire country,” emphasizes Craig Johnson. “Our program includes a mandatory co-op component, which is critical for practical experience. Most students complete their internships during the summer break between their first and second years. A substantial number of these internships seamlessly transition into full-time employment opportunities upon graduation. The North Texas region offers an abundance of construction jobs, and the flexibility of our program allows students to complete their degrees through evening classes, accommodating those who need to work while studying.” This blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and flexible learning options makes Collin College an ideal choice for ambitious individuals.
Building a Foundation for Future Leaders: Collin College’s Innovative Curriculum
The Construction Management program at Collin College operates on an innovative “two plus two” model, providing students with a structured pathway to advanced credentials. In this system, students first earn an associate’s degree after successfully completing their initial two years of study. For those eager to further their expertise and career prospects, they can seamlessly continue their education to pursue a bachelor’s degree – an exciting option that was successfully launched just this semester, marking a significant milestone for the program and its students. This progressive approach ensures that students gain valuable qualifications at various stages of their academic journey.
This comprehensive and flexible program has attracted students from across the nation, eager to benefit from its unique offerings. Currently, the two-year associate’s degree component alone enrolls an impressive 215 students, a testament to the program’s growing reputation and the demand for skilled construction managers. The integration of the bachelor’s degree option further solidifies Collin College’s position as a leading institution for construction education, providing a holistic educational experience that is both practical and academically rigorous.
Craig Johnson brings a wealth of diverse experience to his role, shaping the program with insights garnered from both academia and industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and a master’s in land development from the esteemed Texas A&M University. His professional journey began as a self-employed entrepreneur, successfully running his own business for over two decades. Following this, he dedicated his expertise to the K-12 environment as a full-time teacher and coach, honing his pedagogical skills and passion for mentorship. Johnson started teaching at the college level part-time in 2008, before ultimately playing a pivotal role in launching Collin College’s highly successful construction program a decade later, infusing it with his practical knowledge and a commitment to student success.
“Our program distinguishes itself through a strong emphasis on hands-on learning opportunities,” Craig Johnson explains. “We ensure our students are proficient with both hand tools and power tools, giving them the chance to engage in actual construction techniques and practices. However, the classroom element is equally vital, focusing on understanding the critical importance of business acumen and effective communication within our industry. These are precisely the skills our business partners are actively seeking in new hires: robust communication abilities.” He stresses, “Construction is a field of continuous learning, and we aim to equip our students to be highly effective communicators from day one. While employers will provide specific job training, we want our graduates to fundamentally understand how to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and clients. We place a significant emphasis on developing essential soft skills, which are paramount for long-term career success in any construction role.”
Industry Endorsement and Future Vision: The Growing Impact of Collin College
Craig Johnson remains dedicated to further expanding awareness of the Construction Management program and intensifying recruitment efforts, particularly targeting even more female students. His goal is to build upon the impressive year-over-year increase in female enrollment, which has already jumped from approximately 15 percent to a remarkable 22 percent. “We offer an exceptional program that delivers incredible value for our students,” he proudly reiterates, underscoring the quality and affordability that define Collin College’s approach.
Phil Crone, the esteemed executive officer of the Dallas Builders Association (DBA), a prominent industry organization, fully recognizes the profound importance of investing in the next generation of builders and actively encouraging women to join the construction workforce. The DBA recently demonstrated its commitment to this vision by donating a generous $8,000 to Collin College’s Excellence Fund, an investment that directly supports the college’s initiatives and student success.
“These highly capable women will soon be supervising job sites across the entire Metroplex, working for some of the largest residential and commercial construction operators in the region,” Crone confidently states. “My sincere kudos go to Craig Johnson and his dedicated team for their outstanding work in paving the way for a bright and inclusive future for our entire industry. Their efforts are truly transformational.” This endorsement from a key industry leader highlights the program’s relevance and its role in shaping the future of construction.
Since its inception four years ago, the program has consistently produced numerous success stories, according to Johnson. “We are receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback, not only from our students but, most importantly, from our partners in the industry,” he shares. “Our graduates are embarking on diverse career paths, entering both residential and commercial construction sectors. Some are contributing to the civil side, working on vital infrastructure projects like roads and bridges. Others are finding success in office-based roles within construction companies, leveraging their management and communication skills.”
The program’s growth trajectory is equally impressive. “We experienced a remarkable 75 percent increase in enrollment this year, primarily driven by the launch of our new bachelor’s degree option. We fully anticipate this sustained growth to continue into the foreseeable future,” Johnson states. “We are actively exploring opportunities to offer this successful program at other Collin College campuses, expanding our reach and impact. The success our students are achieving is profound, proving that it’s not merely about enrollment numbers; it’s about the quality of education and the successful careers our graduates are building.” Collin College is undeniably forging a new path for construction education, fostering diversity, and equipping the workforce of tomorrow.