Taylor Named Building Construction Chair

Associate Professor J. Mark Taylor was recently named Chair of the Building Construction Program. In his new role, Taylor will be responsible for the program leadership, curriculum review, academic standards, assisting with student recruitment, and coordinating student competition teams among others.

Taylor received his bachelor’s degree in building science from Auburn University, a master’s degree in construction management from the University of Florida, a doctoral degree in civil engineering/construction engineering systems from Texas A&M, and a JD from the University of Alabama. A member of the Alabama and Colorado Bar and Federal Bar until he joined AU in 2006, Taylor is a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and a DBIA Professional (Design Build Institute of America). He is active with ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.) and ACCE (American Council for Construction Education).

Taylor, who joined the CADC faculty in 2006, is not new to the campus. “I taught at Auburn from 1973–1976, and from 1980–1987,” says Taylor. “With the exception of MEP, Safety and History, I have taught all courses in the BSCI curriculum. I now teach Contracting Business and Construction Law and Risk Management.” He specializes in construction law and business organizations, and is engaged in research in areas related to construction law and project delivery. Taylor also helped set up an exchange program with the Birmingham City University (BCU) in the UK in 2012. As a result, Auburn hosts BCU students in the fall and Auburn students go to BCU in the spring. “International study opportunities allow student to have exposure to global practices in construction science,” added Taylor.

Taylor will be responsible for coordinating faculty assignments and course scheduling for fall, spring and summer. “I look forward to working with the faculty to improve our already excellent program, and meeting with students interested in building science as a career path,” Taylor added.

As Chair of the Building Construction Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, Taylor will help navigate the school through the new accreditation process put in place by the ACCE. In July of 2014, ACCE made a major shift in how it evaluates the work of accredited universities, by adopting a new standard for accreditation. It moved from an hours-based approach to a learning-outcomes approach. “We are going through a major curriculum review,” said Burt. “Taylor, with his previous experience in academic administration, will help us through the review and the accreditation process. In addition, he interacts very well with students and will be a great resource for them.”

“I am delighted that Dr. Mark Taylor will serve as the Chair of the undergraduate Building Science program,” says Dean Vini Nathan. “His academic and professional experience combined with his clarity of vision, thoughtful attention to detail are perfectly suited for this important leadership role. I look forward to his continued and enhanced impact in the McWhorter School of Building Science and in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction.”

Auburn’s Bachelor of Science in Building Construction Program, a four-year ACCE accredited program, is the second oldest construction education program in the US. It focuses on construction management including specialized training in estimating, scheduling, project management, safety, surveying, sustainable construction and structures. It is a leader in exploring Information Technology applications in construction and construction education. This combination provides graduates a comprehensive foundation for success.