UF professor of building construction receives national teaching award

May 11, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — James Sullivan, assistant professor of building construction at the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning, recently received the Associated Schools of Construction 2011 National Teaching Excellence Award.

Sullivan was presented with the award on April 8 at the ASC National Conference in Nebraska, after competing against eight regional winners, who were chosen from the nominees of 100 different schools.

The award considers criteria such as courses taught, personal experience, community service, involvement in student groups and organization, letters of recommendation and teaching philosophy.

Sullivan’s teaching philosophy is simple: communication is key to construction.

“I try to emphasize understanding the role and impact of everyone – owner, architect and builder,” Sullivan said. “What I try to do, and what Rinker tries to do as a school, is explain that it’s about educating everyone involved in the project trying to reach common goal and quality project.”

As the Charles R. Perry Endowed Professor, Sullivan’s teaching also takes a very hands-on approach. One of the main parts of his job is to bring craft people and hands-on learning experiences to the students. He offers labs in masonry, concrete, roofing and more, during which the crafts people work directly with the students.

Abdol Chini, director of the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction, said that students also get hands-on experience through a community service requirement, an idea that Sullivan implemented.

“He supervises and directs groups of students usually making repairs to owner-occupied homes of elderly, low-income citizens,” Chini said. “Jim is a perfect role model to show our students that commitment to social responsibility is a large part of the university’s history and tradition. His goal has been to encourage our students to accept the challenge to experience some kind of outreach work during their time here at the Rinker School.”

As a DCP graduate, Sullivan was especially proud to represent the school at the national level.

“I felt fortunate and proud for the school, because it is really representative of the school and the Rinker program,” Sullivan said.” It’s indicative of the quality we have here.”

Sullivan also received two awards at the college’s commencement on April 30. He received the college’s Teacher of the Year Award in recognition of his excellence, innovation and effectiveness in teaching and the Dean’s Faculty Service Award in recognition of his outstanding service on behalf of the college to the university, the profession and the community.