Meet Important Student Leaders in BSCI
Students in Auburn’s McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) embrace leadership at every turn.
Guided by the expertise of BSCI faculty and industry professionals, they go beyond the classroom to shape their professional futures and foster growth in their communities. BSCI’s student organizations provide an ideal platform for students to develop their own leadership skills, inspiring and mentoring fellow students along the way. Here are a few of the outstanding BSCI student leaders making their mark.
James Adams
Senior | Huntsville, Alabama
President, Associated Builders and Contractors
Adams leads Auburn’s student chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), an advocate for free enterprise in the construction industry.
“ABC champions and upholds the merit shop philosophy,” Adams stated, “which supports open competition and a free-market approach to construction, where success is determined by merit, independent of labor affiliation.”
During his very first semester in the program, Adams was approached to be on the ABC competition team by the-then president of BSCI’s ABC Student Chapter. Now Adams finds himself in the very same position.
What inspired you to take on a leadership role in ABC?
In spring 2024, eight of us traveled to Orlando to compete in the ABC Construction Management Competition. While we came close to winning, we fell short in a few areas of our proposal. This year, I’m confident we have what it takes to bring home the win, and I wanted to be part of making that happen.
What are your goals for ABC this year?
A main goal of mine is to win the Construction Management Competition in Las Vegas this year. Ultimately though, I’d like to increase ABC’s exposure amongst BSCI students.
What is the benefit of joining a BSCI student organization?
Joining a BSCI student organization provides invaluable networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals, enhancing your career prospects. You gain hands-on experience, leadership skills and professional development through workshops and real-world projects. Additionally, it offers access to career resources and community engagement, preparing you for a successful career in the construction industry.
Alli Ayers
Senior | Birmingham, Alabama
President, Association of General Contractors
For Ayers, it’s a family affair, as her father and grandfather were longstanding, involved members of Alabama AGC.
“From a young age, I was brought to events such as ‘AGC Family Fun Nights,’ and even to the state convention in Sandestin, Florida,” Ayers shared.
Ayers now leads Auburn’s Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Student Chapter, an organization she describes as dedicated to student growth in construction knowledge, engaging students with industry professionals and supporting community outreach.
What inspired you to take on a leadership role in AGC?
After attending AGC’s Construction Leadership Committee Conference in Point Clear, Alabama, in Fall of 2022, I was inspired and encouraged to apply for an AGC National Education and Research Foundation Scholarship. With the receipt of this scholarship, I was given the opportunity to attend the AGC National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. From these experiences, I was able to see just how much the industry truly cared for the next generation of students, just like me! I wanted other students to be able to have these same experiences, and truly reap the benefits of what it means to be a member of AGC. With a passion for design, I was elected as a Marketing Director, spreading the word to students about opportunities for them to engage with and grow in AGC. After a wonderful year on our executive board, my drive and vision for AGC continued to grow, and I knew that I wanted to be President of our group.
What are your goals for AGC this year?
I hope that AGC will continue to grow in membership and student involvement. Not only will AGC continue our Lunch & Learns that we have hosted for years, but we will also continue to host our Industry Social with the Alabama AGC and our Pickleball Tournament! We aim to increase our community outreach through résumé and interview workshops to Building Science students, as well as community service days, and involvement in local philanthropies.
What is the benefit of joining a BSCI student organization?
While we are given great access to companies and individuals in our industry through our curriculum, AGC works directly with the industry to provide even more opportunities to our members! By being a member of AGC, I have had access to direct contact with the industry, opportunities for fellowship with my classmates, exclusive job site tours and learning opportunities, unique travel experiences and even more than I could have ever imagined.
Mary Madalyn Massengale
Senior | Greensboro, Alabama
President, Design-Build Institute of America
Massengale leads Auburn’s student chapter of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA).
“DBIA’s mission is to promote the value of design-build project delivery,” Massengale said. “By teaching the effective integration of design and construction services, ensuring success for owners and design and construction practitioners, we advocate for ‘Design-Build Done Right’ practices within the industry.”
Her involvement with DBIA—dating back to her very first semester in the Building Science program—all started by showing up for Donuts with DBIA.
What inspired you to take on a leadership role in DBIA?
I knew DBIA would give me the opportunity to enhance engagement and foster connections within Auburn Building Science.
What are your goals for DBIA this year?
I aim to contribute to the growth and development of the organization by increasing involvement and collaboration. Additionally, I’d like to focus on creating meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development through social networking events and collaborative projects.
What is the benefit of joining a BSCI student organization?
Joining a BSCI student organization offers valuable opportunities for building professional connections and gaining experience relevant to your career goals. It also allows you to forge meaningful relationships with fellow students, enriching your college experience and expanding your network.
Natalie Mohr
Senior | Atlanta, Georgia
President, Sigma Lambda Chi
Mohr leads Auburn’s Iota Chapter of Sigma Lambda Chi (SLX), which she says gives students the opportunity to be recognized locally, nationally and internationally for academic accomplishments as a construction major.
“I got involved my first year in the BSCI professional program after being invited to join because I ranked in the top 10% of my class based on GPA,” Mohr stated.
What inspired you to take on a leadership role in SLX?
I wanted to contribute more to the BSCI program as a whole and help to improve it in any way possible.
What are your goals for SLX this year?
My goals for Sigma Lambda Chi are to continue the success of our events and outings as well as be a support system academically for other students within the Building Science program.
What is the benefit of joining a BSCI student organization?
BSCI student organizations provide an opportunity to network and create relationships within the construction industry, which is very beneficial for future careers.
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Student Experience, Student Organizations, Student Recognition