Estimating to Education : Aaron Sauer
Assistant Professor, Construction Management
From: Warrensburg, Missouri
BS: Central Missouri State University-Construction Science, Management – Technology
MS: University of Central Missouri-Industrial Technology, Construction Emphasis
PH.D: Indiana State University-Technology Management, Construction Emphasis
Recent Activities:
Teaching: Statics, Construction Estimating, Structural Design Principals, & Construction Equipment Management
Researching: Work force mobility, new employee’s willingness to travel for work, and inclusion on construction management programs
Exploring Springfield: “Black Sheep, changed my life” and researching the 
Battle of Springfield.
In his free time: family first and then hiking, “floating Ozark streams,” hanging out in his cabin, racing, “listening to old records, sailing, traveling, shooting Super 8 film movies and much more”
Background:
Dr. Sauer’s interest in construction grew with “The challenge of completing a project and the sense of satisfaction once it is complete.” His initial experience to construction was working with his father on projects. His interest led him to Septagon Industries, a design build construction firm in Columbia, Missouri for 10 years.
The past 10 years Dr. Sauer was teaching at University of Central Missouri.
Thoughts on Springfield and MSU:
Dr. Sauer stated that his attraction to MSU was the Construction Departments reputation. He was also influenced by “the strong support from the Advisory Board and the College.”
“Other than risking my life every time I enter the parking garage I think the campus is great. I have a nice office, good classroom space and an OK pool to exercise in.”
Looking past campus, Dr. Sauer loves spending time in the Ozarks, “so being located in Springfield is ideal.” He continues to by saying, “There is a lot to do in the evenings and on the weekends which is very different from where I came from. Traffic can be a little annoying, but I am learning the best routes.”
Teaching style and advice to graduates:
Dr. Sauer says that his teaching style depends on the course. In statistics and structures, he prefers to break down the information into building blocks, “that build on each other.” Dr. Sauer believes that if students come to class and participate in the practice work they should do well. For his more advanced classes such as estimating he relies on student engagement. He believes overall that it’s important to stay ahead of assignments and to ask questions.
A valuable lesson Dr. Sauer learned is, “Lead by example, there is always someone who can do it better so be humble, it’s not about what you accumulate, it about what you give away.” Some advice he was once given that he would like to impart, “1st Choose your parents wisely, 2nd Choose your spouse wisely, 3rd if you screw those up go to work and work hard.”