Missouri State University construction management and interior design students demonstrated industry-level skills at the 2025 Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 4 Competition.

The teams, comprising 36 students, earned multiple top finishes. The students showed they can compete with the nation’s top construction programs.

“This level of success reflects the talent, preparation and professionalism of our students,” said Dr. Aaron Sauer, associate professor, School of Construction, Design and Project Management.

The competition took place Oct. 26-29 at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center in Nebraska City, Nebraska. It brought together 204 students from nine nationally recognized construction programs across the region.

Real-world preparation pays off

Missouri State sent six teams to the annual competition, with each team made up of six students. Preparation began months in advance, with students dedicating five to 10 hours each week outside of class to analyze real construction projects, build estimates and develop schedules.

Faculty members coached the teams leading up to the event, but once the competition started, students worked independently without faculty guidance or outside help.

“These are real projects presented by industry professionals who actually built them,” Sauer said. “Students are asked to solve the same problems they’ll face in their careers.”

Ranked among the region’s best

From problem solving to high-pressure presentations, the Missouri State teams excelled, earning top finishes in four divisions:

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  Heavy/Civil, second place (sponsored by Kiewit Construction): The team addressed a complex freight rail river crossing project, developing plans to replace an aging bridge while maintaining active rail operations.

• Design/Build, second place (sponsored by Hensel-Phelps and Whiting-Turner): An interdisciplinary team stood out with its proposal for a new minor league hockey arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.
• Commercial Construction, third place (sponsored by Turner and Alberici): The team planned a multi-phase renovation of an operating hospital’s labor and delivery unit, meeting strict infection control and patient safety requirements.

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  Specialty Electrical, third place (sponsored by Interstates Construction Services): The team impressed judges with technical solutions for electrical systems on a large-scale soybean processing facility, including extensive power, lighting and network infrastructure.

The ASC competition integrates coursework, teamwork and industry expectations into a single high-impact learning experience. Missouri State’s continued success reflects the strength of its students and the hands-on focus of the construction management program.

“The competition brings everything students have learned together into one experience,” Sauer said. “Watching students celebrate their success together at the awards banquet is always special.”

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