UNC Charlotte receives leadership gift to launch unique school of construction
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has received a leadership gift from alumni Craig ’85 and Darla ’83 Albert to establish the Albert School of Construction in the William States Lee College of Engineering, launching a new model for construction education in one of the nation’s fastest-growing markets.
The Albert School of Construction, the first in North Carolina to focus on the full capital project lifecycle, will prepare students to lead the planning, engineering and delivery of complex infrastructure projects, equipping graduates with the interdisciplinary skills — from design and engineering through construction and long-term operation — rather than a single phase of the process.
Craig Albert, president and chief operating officer of Bechtel Group Inc., said the investment reflects both the urgent need for construction capacity and his longstanding connection to the University.
“In every industry that improves people’s lives, whether it’s healthcare, technology or energy, none of those innovations reach the world unless we build the infrastructure that supports them,” he said.
Albert’s career in global engineering and construction has given him a front-row view of the workforce challenges facing major infrastructure projects, including an aging workforce and increasing demand for professionals with expertise across engineering, supply chain and emerging technologies.
“Charlotte is a growing region with a real ‘can-do’ culture,” he said. “That’s something I remember from my time as a student here. It’s a place where people want to achieve something and prove something. That mindset is exactly what the construction industry needs.”
The Albert School of Construction builds on more than 50 years of strength in construction education while bringing together disciplines across engineering, business and data science into a single, future-focused academic enterprise.
“Most programs focus on the construction phase of the project lifecycle,” said Rob Keynton, dean of the W.S. Lee College of Engineering. “What makes this school different is that it is built around the entire capital project lifecycle, from design and engineering to construction and operations. That integration, combined with our industry partnerships and research strengths, positions Charlotte to lead in how construction education evolves.”
The school will be led by Lingguang Song, the newly named executive director of the school. He most recently served as department chair and professor of engineering technology and construction management.
UNC Charlotte joins a select group of institutions nationwide with comprehensive, engineering-based construction programs. Its academic structure brings together programs in construction engineering, construction management, civil engineering technology, facilities engineering and fire and safety engineering technology alongside emerging areas such as digital transformation, energy infrastructure and supply chain systems.
More about Craig and Darla Albert
Craig and Darla Albert are proud alumni and supporters of UNC Charlotte. Darla graduated in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in business and Craig completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1985. Their philanthropy has established the Albert Engineering Leadership Scholars program and the Freeman Scholarship, both which support high-achieving students in the University’s Honors College. In recognition of their impact, UNC Charlotte named the Albert & Freeman Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) building in their honor.
In his current role as Bechtel’s president and COO, Craig Albert oversees the company’s global operations, chairs the operating committee and serves on the board of directors.
Learn more about the leadership gift that established the Albert School of Construction.
