Caliber 1 Construction has announced a partnership with the University of West Georgia’s Richards College of Business to launch a new Construction Management Concentration within the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management program.

Supported by a $1.5 million gift from Georgia-based commercial general contractor Caliber 1 Construction, the new academic offering will help address the growing demand for construction-focused business education in Georgia. 

Construction is one of Georgia’s most vital industries—contributing approximately $45 billion, or 5.2% of the state’s GDP, and continuing to grow. In 2024 alone, the construction sector added 7,100 jobs, marking growth in 11 of the past 12 years. 

“As an alumnus of the University of West Georgia and a construction CEO, this partnership is deeply personal for me. I saw a real gap in our region—students interested in construction management had to leave home to pursue that path. By partnering with UWG to develop the new program, we’re investing in the next generation of construction leaders who will keep our local communities growing,” said Chris Elliott, CEO of Caliber 1 Construction and UWG alumnus. “Construction shapes the places where we live, work, and play, and this program ensures students gain the classroom and hands-on experience they need to lead with confidence.”

“At UWG, every student should graduate having completed rigorous coursework and having internships and connections with local companies to launch their careers before graduation. This new Construction Management Concentration is an excellent example of meeting the needs of the region and preparing students for their futures,” said Dr. Jon Preston, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at UWG. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is projected to grow by 4.7% by 2033, offering career pathways with strong earning potential and long-term stability. 

The new Construction Management Concentration is built around five essential pillars of modern construction projects: safety, time, cost, quality, and environmental responsibility. To support these objectives, the curriculum features six specialized courses that blend technical expertise with project management, financial analysis, safety protocols, and sustainable building practices.

Students will be prepared for a wide range of construction leadership roles, including:

• Construction Manager – Oversee projects from start to finish

• Project Manager – Lead teams and coordinate all aspects of construction

• Scheduler – Plan timelines and coordinate resources

• Cost Estimator – Analyze budgets and project expenses

• Safety Manager – Ensure compliance and protect workers

• Business Owner – Launch and manage their own construction companies

“Education has always been close to my heart, and as a two-time graduate of the University of West Georgia, this partnership is especially meaningful. Since launching our Building My Blueprint internship program in 2016, we’ve trained more than 40 construction management students across the southeast, and I’ve seen first-hand how real-world experience builds confidence and leadership,” said Jenny Elliott, president of Caliber 1 Construction and alumna of UWG. “This collaboration builds on that momentum, creating new opportunities for UWG students who are ready to grow and lead in our industry.”

“We are so grateful for Caliber 1 Construction’s generosity and vision. This new concentration will support the needs of students and businesses in the west Georgia region and beyond, and we look forward to welcoming our first cohort soon,” said Dr. Christopher Johnson, dean of the Richards College of Business.