$2 Million Investment from Gray Strengthens EKU Construction Management Program

The gift establishes an endowed professorship, funding a permanent faculty position in EKU’s Construction Management program. The endowed professorship will allow EKU to recruit and hire a new faculty member and ensure the role will remain in place in perpetuity, supporting generations of students.

“We are grateful for Gray’s partnership with EKU, which has spanned multiple decades and created meaningful opportunities for our students,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our construction management program is vital in shaping the infrastructure of the Commonwealth, and our graduates are helping to build and maintain it. Investments like this ensure we can continue preparing talented professionals to meet workforce needs.”

Gray, the choice partner for industrial companies seeking design and construction services,, employs nearly 150 EKU alumni, with about 25% beginning their careers at Gray through internships.

“We’re extremely proud of this partnership and the role EKU has played in shaping so many of the people who make Gray what it is today,” says Stephen Gray, President and CEO, Gray, Inc. “As we look ahead, we’re excited about what we can continue to build together, to create a stronger workforce for the industry and Kentucky.”

The continued collaboration between EKU and Gray provides valuable real-world learning experiences for students while helping meet needs across the Commonwealth.

“At Gray, as you can imagine, we talk a lot about building – building facilities, partnerships, and most importantly, people. And that starts long before someone ever steps onto a job site or into our offices.,” says Rebekah Gray, President and CEO, Gray Construction. “For decades, EKU has been a place where that foundation is built, and we have been fortunate to witness it firsthand through internships, career fairs, and the many EKU graduates who have joined our team.”

Enrollment in EKU’s Construction Management program has increased 41% over the past two years, reflecting growing student interest and industry demand for skilled professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction management industry is expected to grow by 9%, much faster than the average for other occupations.

Chris Schumacher, an EKU Construction Management graduate and Business Unit Leader with Gray, says the program is built around real industry experience and preparing students for the future.

“To see Gray, the company I’m proud to be a part of, invest in the very program that helped shape my path—it really comes full circle,” says Chris Schumacher.

Nearly all EKU Construction Management students secure employment shortly after graduation, with 99% finding jobs within three months and more than 90% earning a median starting salary of $65,000.

About Gray:

Gray is a fully integrated design-builder delivering end-to-end solutions in construction, professional services, specialty equipment, and real estate. Since 1960, we have grown from a regional contractor to a nationally ranked leader, serving top companies in our core markets. Our comprehensive services make us trusted partners for every phase of a project.

For more information on Gray, visit gray.com and follow Gray on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.