You can build a concrete house, which may be more cost-effective in some cases
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN — New homes being built today are not always what they seem. While wood has traditionally been the primary material used in residential walls, that is not the case with every new home. Currently, homeowners are finding that the cost of wood may not be justified when other building materials cost just a few dollars more per square foot.
Two years ago, he was approached by Habitat for Humanity about saving money on new home construction. MTSU’s Jon Huddleston told WGNS he was looking for ways to save money two years ago. After the nonprofit researched cost-saving ideas, it became clear that it made sense to use more concrete and less wood in Habitat’s new construction… Huddleston directs the school’s Concrete Industry Management Program.
Locally, the cost of building a house with concrete walls and floors is not as high as one might think…
Like a 3D printer, but on a much larger scale than what you find commercially, real houses can now be built with a special 3D printer… Dr. Tom Nicholas, director of the MTSU School of Concrete and Construction Management program, explains how it works… The walls are printed out individually and after the foundation of the house is built, the walls can be placed accordingly.
MORE: MTSU’s School of Concrete and Construction Management has been operating in a new, state-of-the-art, $40 million facility on campus for several years, greatly expanding its opportunities to educate and prepare career-ready graduates for well-paying jobs in a thriving, $1 trillion industry in the Midwest and across the country.
In total, there are 1,800 MTSU graduates from the Concrete Industry Management and Commercial Construction Management programs — 1,100 and 600, respectively — who are leaders in our industry. Two graduates were instrumental in the construction of the Tennessee Titans’ new stadium. The school also offers its students numerous opportunities to showcase and compete in hands-on competitions across the country, and strives to attract more women and other underrepresented populations to the growing industry.
Learn more about careers, education and construction by visiting MTSU’s School of Concrete and Construction Management online at https://ccm.mtsu.edu.
Listen to all of our interviews by clicking play on the podcast above this article. The interview summary is below.
SEGMENT ONE GUESTS: Dr. Tom Nicholas, director of the MTSU School of Concrete and Construction Management; and Jon Huddleston, associate professor and director of the school’s Concrete Industry Management Program
SUBJECT: The school’s ongoing efforts to provide hands-on training and programs that prepare its graduates for well-paying jobs in a thriving industry
MTSU’s School of Concrete and Construction Management has been operating in a new, state-of-the-art, $40 million facility on campus for several years, greatly expanding its opportunities to educate and prepare career-ready graduates for well-paying jobs in a thriving, $1 trillion industry in the Midwest and across the country.
In total, there are 1,800 MTSU graduates from the Concrete Industry Management and Commercial Construction Management programs — 1,100 and 600, respectively — who are leaders in our industry. Two graduates were instrumental in the construction of the Tennessee Titans’ new stadium. The school also offers its students numerous opportunities to showcase and compete in hands-on competitions across the country, and strives to attract more women and other underrepresented populations to the growing industry.
SCCM offers two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Construction Management and one in Concrete Industry Management. Both programs combine hands-on learning with innovative technology and business management skills.
SEGMENT TWO GUEST: Beth Dye, Assistant Director of MTSU Alumni Relations
TOPIC: MTSU Homecoming Week 2024 is just around the corner!
This year’s MTSU Homecoming celebration, themed “Blue Raider Rodeo,” will take place less than a month after the start of the fall semester, so mark the date on your calendar. Homecoming week, September 16, culminates on Saturday, September 21 with the Homecoming Parade and Mixer on Middle Watching Party, followed by the football game against Duke University at Floyd Stadium, which begins at 6 p.m.
Immediately following the parade, a luncheon will be held on the grounds of The Grove, featuring a performance by country-rock artists and alumni Cadillac Three.
This week, this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award winners will also be officially honored and this year’s Golden Raiders class of 1974 will celebrate their 50th class reunion.
Additional events for students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters will be held throughout the week. Visit mtalumni.com for more information and updates.
SEGMENT THREE GUESTS: Ray Wiley, assistant director of MTSU Campus Recreation and longtime Red Cross volunteer; and Gene Baker, senior account manager for donor services at the American Red Cross
SUBJECT: The friendly blood donation competition “100 Miles of Hope” from September 9th to 11th between MTSU and Conference USA rival Western Kentucky University
The annual Red Cross 100 Miles of Hope blood drive between MTSU and Conference USA rival Western Kentucky University will be held Monday through Wednesday, September 9-11, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Student Health, Wellness and Recreation Center gymnasium at 1848 Blue Raider Drive.
While walk-ins are welcome, donors are asked to schedule an appointment through redcrossblood.org. Search for the zip code 37132 and the event date of Sept. 9-11. Donors can also use the American Red Cross blood donation app or text “BLOODAPP” to 90999.
Previously, the blood drive’s motto was “Bleed Blue, Beat WKU.” The new name is a play on the rivalry between the football teams – called “100 Miles of Hate” – which is roughly the distance between the Blue Raider campus in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the Hilltopper campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. However, the blood drive committee wanted to emphasize the positive aspect of the event by using the word “hope” instead of hate.
Last year, a total of 905 units were collected during the three-day event, which takes place before the Blue Raiders-Hilltoppers football game on Saturday, September 14th at 6 p.m. at Floyd Stadium.
The 2023 MTSU blood drive brought the university’s total donations since 2010 to 6,551 units of True Blue blood, potentially saving 19,653 lives across the region. With the conclusion of the 2023 drive, MTSU and WKU supporters will have donated a total of 12,107 units of blood since 2010, potentially helping over 36,000 patients.
