College of Engineering Dean Michelle Scherer has selected Kerri Sleeman ‘95 ‘08, professor of practice in construction engineering with a joint appointment in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) and the College of Business, for the Deans’ Teaching Showcase.
Sleeman will be recognized at an end-of-term event with other spring showcase members and is a candidate for the CTL Instructional Award Series.
“Kerri is the type of experienced professional who adds so much value to a Tech education,” Scherer noted. “Passing on her experience gives our students that extra edge as they begin their professional careers.”
With over 19 years of industry experience, Sleeman uses actual construction projects in her courses to be an effective and highly respected educator. She is familiar with the mechanical and electrical systems on campus from her time with MTU Facilities, so she organizes tours of mechanical and electrical rooms and data centers. In her Building Utility Systems course, Sleeman has students read and interpret real ongoing campus project drawings and takes them to tour the projects to identify items from the drawings. In her Construction Scheduling course, she uses a past project she managed for the University as the basis for the class final project, hosting contractors from the project to help students develop their own construction schedules. Her real-project-based approach is highly valued by her students. They come to class because they know what she is teaching them cannot be found in a textbook.
“Professor Sleeman is a superb professor because of her attention to detail and efforts to stay ahead of the curve on industry technologies,” said student Teddy Ellis. “She makes a concerted effort to bring relevant industry professionals to class to add their perspectives and wisdom to our curriculum.”
The construction industry strives to effectively use technology to bring projects in on time and under budget, and Sleeman wants her students to see technology as an asset when they enter the workforce. In her Construction Finance and Accounting course, students develop spreadsheets to take with them to use in their careers; Sleeman has used those same spreadsheets as a project manager. The students also learn three different common industry scheduling softwares in their Construction Scheduling course. Sleeman uses industry feedback to determine which software and technology she teaches the students to add value to their learning experience. Further, students in her Sustainable Construction course can take the LEED Green Associate sample exam and earn badges to include on their resumes and professional profiles. All of Sleeman’s efforts are to ensure students are prepared for industry.
“The extra step of preparing students to take and pass an industry certification is one way our program stands out above the rest. Kerri doesn’t just cover sustainability to meet construction management accreditation requirements, she covers sustainability in such a way as to give students an advantage when they are seeking their first full-time position,” says Audra Morse, CEGE department chair.
Student Hannah Baker said it best: “She has made a lasting impact on me, motivating me to continue learning and striving for success in the construction industry.”
About the College of Engineering
Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering offers over fifteen bachelor of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil, environmental and geospatial engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering fundamentals, geological and mining engineering and sciences, manufacturing and mechanical engineering and technology, materials science and engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Our engineering graduate degree options include master’s and PhD programs, along with robust online certificate programs for busy professionals. Follow Michigan Tech Engineering on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for the latest happenings.