Brad Benhart has been named Educator of the Year by the AGC Education and Research Foundation. Benhart, a clinical assistant professor and assistant head of the Department of Building Construction Management, is a faculty advisor to the Associated General Contractors student chapter at Purdue University.
His focus since he arrived at Purdue in 2009 has been on superintendent training, healthcare construction, project management and strategic planning using real-world applications and classroom training. He is active in AGC nationally, serving on several committees.
The official announcement of Benhart's award at the AGC National Convention in March included a quote from former student Branden Burke, who graduated in 2012. Benhart typifies "what it means to be an outstanding educator in the classroom, what a true mentor is to students and alumni, and what it is like to be an inspirational leader in the construction industry," Burke said.
Since 1985, the AGC Education and Research Foundation has recognized annually an educator who makes a significant mark in the field of construction education. The Outstanding Educator award is based on a nominee’s academic contribution as well as his/her work with students outside of the classroom and involvement with colleagues in the industry. The Outstanding Educator receives a $5,000 cash award and may name two students as recipients of $2,500 scholarships for the coming academic year.