Dr. Orlando Bagcal, University of North Texas,Ìý2026 Outstanding EducatorÌý
The Outstanding Educator award is based on a nominee’s academic contribution as well as his/her work with students outside of the classroom and involvement with colleagues in the industry. Candidates for the award must be full-time, teaching faculty members with four years minimum teaching experience in an ACCE or ABET-accredited university construction program or construction-related engineering program.
Dr. Orlando BagcalÌýis a Clinical Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Construction Management in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of North Texas. With more than 30 years of combined industry and academic experience in civil engineering and construction management—including two decades in U.S. higher education—he effectively bridges theory and practice. At UNT, he serves on university, college, and departmental committees and supports program development and accreditation efforts.Ìý
A Texas Licensed Professional Engineer, NAHB Certified Green Professional, and Associate DBIA Professional, Dr. Bagcal’s research focuses on sustainable construction materials using industrial by-products, construction management, and Building Information Modeling (BIM). He also recently completed a post-graduate program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.Ìý
Dr. Bagcal teaches across a broad range of construction subjects and is deeply committed to student success. He mentors student competition teams and senior design projects, serves as facultyÌýadvisorÌýfor Sigma Lambda Chi (Rho III Chapter) and the NAHB Student Chapter, and leads service-learning initiatives with Habitat for Humanity and other community partners. HeÌýremainsÌýactive in ACCE, ASC, NAHB, TEXO/ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, and ASCE.Ìý
James L. Allhands 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Winning Essays, 2025:
First -ÌýMax Collins, Roger Williams University
Second –ÌýSarah Saadeh,ÌýThe University of California, Berkeley
Third - Maria Carbajal, Farmingdale State College
Max Collins, Roger Williams University, 2026 James L. Allhands Essay Competition Winner
Max CollinsÌýis a senior in Roger Williams University’s Construction Management program. He serves as Vice President of RWU’s Sigma Lambda Chi chapter and is a third-year Residential Assistant. Max is also a member of the University Honors Program, a Dean’s List recipient, and is actively involved in a faculty-led research project as well as an ASC competition team.Ìý
With more than eight years of hands-on experience in the construction industry, Max has worked as a cabinet maker with Treehouse Design, a laborer with Windover Construction, and a carpenter with Bill Elwell &ÌýAssociates—bringing both leadership and practical field experience to his academic and professional pursuits.Ìý
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Amine Ghanem, Allhands Essay Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Amine Ghanem brings more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, including over 13 years as a Professor of Construction Management at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. His professional background spans commercial, heavy civil, and international construction projects, giving him a well-rounded perspective that he brings into the classroom. Since joining the university, Dr. Ghanem has focused on creating, developing, and reshaping heavy civil construction courses to align with growing student interest and evolving industry needs.
In addition to his teaching, Dr. Ghanem is deeply committed to student mentorship and leadership. He has served as faculty advisor for both the Construction Management Club and the International Student Club, reactivated the Associated General Contractors (ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø) Student Chapter, and has led it as faculty advisor since 2015. For the past 11 years, he has also coached and advised teams competing in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 1 Student Competitions. An award-winning educator, he has received numerous honors, including the ASC Regional and International Outstanding Educator Awards (2018), ASC Excellence in Teaching Award (2016), ASC National Teaching Award (2015), and the Outstanding Engineering Merit Achievement Award from the Engineers’ Council of San Fernando Valley, California.
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