The Education Magazine
November 11, 2026
The construction industry is changing with the growing use of automation, advanced technologies, and modern building methods. These developments are increasing the demand for skilled professionals, prompting universities to strengthen construction education and prepare students for evolving workforce needs.
In Louisiana, LSU’s new construction School is expanding its role in meeting these demands. On November 10, 2026, Louisiana State University announced that the school would be named the Art Favre School of Construction, with two new bachelor’s degree programs and plans for a $107 million construction and advanced manufacturing facility.
Why Is LSU’s New Construction School Named the Art Favre School of Construction?
The naming of LSU’s new construction school recognizes Art Favre, founder of Performance Contractors and a graduate of LSU’s first construction management class in 1972. His latest philanthropic contribution establishes an unrestricted endowment to support the Art Favre School of Construction over the long term.
Favre had previously announced a $15 million leadership gift toward the new facility. This earlier contribution is separate from his latest endowment gift, the amount of which LSU has not publicly disclosed.
The Louisiana Board of Regents approved the Art Favre School of Construction in February 2026. It builds on the university’s established Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, which LSU says graduates more construction professionals annually than any other school in the country.
Which New Bachelor’s Degree Programs Will LSU’s New School of Construction Offer?
Expanding academic opportunities is central to LSU’s new construction school initiative. The university has developed two new Bachelor of Science degree programs to prepare students for careers connected to construction and public safety.
The New Bachelor’s degree programs at the Art Favre School of Construction include:
- Construction Engineering: Focuses on the engineering principles and technical knowledge required to plan, design, and deliver construction projects.
- Fire and Emergency Services Administration: Prepares students for administrative and leadership responsibilities in fire protection and emergency services.
LSU is also exploring additional undergraduate programs in digital construction and modular manufacturing. These areas reflect the industry’s growing use of technology, automation, and modern production methods.
The new academic pathways aim to help students develop skills across engineering, construction management, and related technical fields.
How Much Will LSU’s New Construction Facility Cost?
LSU’s new Performance Contractors Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building carries an estimated total cost of $107 million. Planned for South Stadium Drive, across from Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, the 148,000-square-foot facility will become the new home for LSU’s construction programs.
LSU plans to start construction for the Art Favre Facility in 2027. The project is supported by a combination of state funding, private philanthropic contributions, and LSU’s goal of raising funds from donors.
| Funding component | Amount |
| State of Louisiana investment | $42 million |
| Philanthropic fundraising goal | $65 million |
| Total project cost | $107 million |
| Philanthropic contributions received | More than $52.6 million |
| Remaining fundraising target | $12.4 million |
The Performance Contractors Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building will include laboratories, faculty spaces, and active-learning classrooms for LSU’s construction and engineering programs. The 148,000-square-foot facility will also house specialized spaces for robotics, 3D printing, digital fabrication, construction materials research, advanced manufacturing, and construction safety technologies.
Through these laboratories of the Art Favre Facility and learning spaces, LSU students will gain hands-on experience with modern construction methods and technologies. Faculty will also be able to conduct research in areas such as robotics, materials development, and advanced manufacturing, while strengthening collaboration with industry partners.
How Will LSU Advance Construction Research and Technology?
Beyond new degrees and infrastructure, LSU’s new construction school will focus on research addressing challenges facing the construction industry.
LSU plans to recruit faculty in several emerging research areas, including:
- Automation and robotics
- Digital twins and AI-enabled project delivery
- Resilient and low-carbon construction materials
- Jobsite tools and technologies for construction professionals
SU’s construction research will focus on automation and robotics, digital twins and AI-enabled project delivery, resilient and low-carbon construction materials, and new jobsite tools and technologies. Research in these areas aims to improve construction productivity and worker safety, support sustainable building practices, and make construction projects more efficient.
LSU College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin said,
“The Art Favre School of Construction allows us to connect our strengths across engineering, construction, and advanced technologies. This can only happen through deep partnerships with industry professionals who understand firsthand the challenges our graduates will be called upon to solve, and the Performance Contractors Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building will be the anchor for these partnerships.”
The approach also reflects wider developments in STEAM education, where engineering, technology, and practical problem-solving increasingly come together.
How LSU’s New Construction School Will Shape Construction Education and Research
New construction school of LSU, now named the Art Favre School of Construction, aims to strengthen construction education, research, and industry collaboration. With two new bachelor’s degree programs and a planned $107 million facility, LSU is working to prepare students for changing workforce demands. Its focus on robotics, advanced manufacturing, and construction technologies is also expected to support future innovation across the industry.
