Date
A group of OU Construction Science students recently had the opportunity to lay concrete masonry units as part of their Fundamentals Lab class. The Fundamentals Lab is designed to give students hands-on experience with common building materials used in the commercial building industry.
Led by Terry Clinefelter, adjunct faculty in the Construction Science department, the students examined materials and methods utilized in commercial construction projects. They worked through the process of building CMUs by mixing mortar and constructing concrete block walls.
OU Construction Science students laying concrete masonry units.
The students were also joined by industry craftsmen Jack Easley from Easley Masonry, Adam Slattery from Al Slattery Masonry Inc. and Zack Easley from Dolese Bros. Co. According to Clinefelter, “The key to this class is that students learn from the people who are actually putting the work in place. It gives the students a perspective that is very important when they enter the construction industry.”
OU Construction Science students learning to lay concrete masonry units.
Students in the Fundamentals Lab class have visited several other sites throughout this semester, including a Dolese concrete plant and W&W AFCO Steel facility. In the coming weeks, Clinefelter plans to organize a site walk of an active commercial construction project.
On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.
The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
Ronald Frantz Jr., emeritus professor, has been named a 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient, the highest honor presented by Main Street America. The award was announced at the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, recognizing leaders who advance preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
