I wanted to become an architect, but I knew I wanted to explore technology. The CGT program offered the avenue to explore both construction and my creative side and gave me problem-solving skills to succeed and excel, no matter what project I was working on.
Shanna Morrett
BS, ’06, Computer Graphics Technology; MS, ’08, Computer Graphics Technology
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Shanna Morrett

BS, ’06, Computer Graphics Technology; MS, ’08, Computer Graphics Technology

“Holder Construction Company is on the bleeding edge in the use of BIM and VDC in the commercial construction industry. I want to be a leading force to change the face of our industry with this technology,” says Shanna Morrett, manager of VDC at Holder Construction, referring in shorthand to the construction industry technologies and processes known as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC).

At Holder, Morrett developed a passion for pushing technological boundaries in construction — but she might not have found this career if she hadn’t met Clark Cory, associate professor of computer graphics technology.

“I wanted to become an architect, but I knew I wanted to explore technology,” she says. “I found out Purdue has a computer graphics technology program and was intrigued. Professor Cory showed us around, and I saw the use of technology for websites, design, manufacturing and more. I knew that the program offered me the avenue to explore both construction and my creative side. In the end, the CGT program gave me problem-solving skills to succeed and excel no matter what project I was working on.”

As an undergraduate, Morrett specialized in construction graphics communication. While completing her master’s degree, she worked with Cory as a teaching assistant and focused on BIM curriculum development for the department. “Professor Cory then put me in touch with Holder, and I’ve now been here for 10 years,” she says. “He knew they had the culture that would fit me.”

Morrett and her husband, Caleb, an ’07 Building Construction Management graduate, live with their son, Mason, in Atlanta, Georgia.