Ryan Manuel is an Assistant Professor of Practice in Purdue University’s School of Construction Management Technology, where he blends more than twenty years of experience in residential, commercial, and mechanical sales with a highly hands-on, industry-engaged approach to teaching. A Purdue graduate himself, Ryan spent the first part of his career holding various management roles across the construction sector before transitioning to academia in 2019.
At Purdue, Ryan is known for creative course design, experiential learning, and an interactive teaching style that brings jobsite realism into the classroom. He teaches key foundational and advanced courses, among them CM 15000, CM 37600, and CM 37700, and in these courses, students are able to learn hands-on skills, obtain certifications that the industry acknowledges, and become involved in service-learning projects in their community.
Ryan’s dedication to outstanding teaching has been acknowledged through several nominations for both the Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award and various teaching awards at the school level. He has earned several college-level honors, most notably the John P. Lisack Early-Career Engagement Award, which highlights his impact on curriculum innovation, community partnerships, and student success.
Outside of the campus environment, Ryan remains actively involved within the construction industry. He is a member of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Career Development Committee, has previously been a member of the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) Board of Directors, and frequently works with builders, trade partners, and nonprofit housing organizations. His work strengthens Purdue’s industry relationships and infuses current best practices directly into the academic experience.
Driven by a passion for elevating construction management education, Ryan is also building a strong portfolio of scholarly work focused on indoor air quality, worker health, and rural housing through USDA Rural Development initiatives. With his current projects, he is continuously creating more opportunities for students, increasing the effect on the community, and is helping to shape the coming generations of construction professionals.
