RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - New homes being built today are not always what they seem. While wood has traditionally been the main material within the walls of residential structures, that is not the case in every new home. Currently, homeowners are finding that the cost of wood may not make sense, when other building materials are only a few dollars more per square foot.

Two years ago, in a search to save money on new home construction, Jon Huddleston at MTSU told WGNS he was approached by Habitat for Humanity. After studying cost saving ideas with the non-profit, it was revealed that using more concrete and less wood in Habitat’s new home builds made sense… Huddleston directs the school’s Concrete Industry Management Program.

Locally, the cost to build a home with concrete walls and floors is not as high as one might imagine…

Like a 3D printer, but on a much larger scale than what can be found in stores, real homes can now be built with a special 3D printer… Dr. Tom Nicholas, director of the MTSU School of Concrete and Construction Management program, explains how it works… Walls are printed one-by-one and after the foundation of the home is built, the walls can be placed accordingly.

MORE: MTSU’s School of Concrete and Construction Management now has a few years under its belt of operating out of a new state-of-the-art, $40 million facility on campus that greatly expanded its ability to train and prepare ready-to-work graduates for good paying jobs in a thriving $1 trillion industry in the Midstate and around the nation.

There are 1,800 combined MTSU Concrete Industry Management and Commercial Construction Management alumni — 1,100 and 600, respectively — who are leaders in our industry, with two alumni heavily involved in the construction of the new Tennessee Titans stadium. The school also provides numerous opportunities for its students to present and compete in hands-on competitions around the country and also does outreach to attract more women and other underrepresented populations to the growing industry.

Learn more about careers, education and construction by visiting MTSU’s School of Concrete and Construction Management online at https://ccm.mtsu.edu.

Hear all of our interviews by clicking play on the podcast above this article. The outline of the interviews can be found below. 

SEGMENT ONE GUESTS: Dr. Tom Nicholas, director of the MTSU School of Concrete and Construction Management; and Jon Huddleston, associate professor and director of the school’s Concrete Industry Management Program

TOPIC: The school’s ongoing efforts to provide hands-on training and programs that prepare its graduates for well-paying jobs in a thriving industry

MTSU’s School of Concrete and Construction Management now has a few years under its belt of operating out of a new state-of-the-art, $40 million facility on campus that greatly expanded its ability to train and prepare ready-to-work graduates for good paying jobs in a thriving $1 trillion industry in the Midstate and around the nation.

There are 1,800 combined MTSU Concrete Industry Management and Commercial Construction Management alumni — 1,100 and 600, respectively — who are leaders in our industry, with two alumni heavily involved in the construction of the new Tennessee Titans stadium. The school also provides numerous opportunities for its students to present and compete in hands-on competitions around the country and also does outreach to attract more women and other underrepresented populations to the growing industry.

SCCM offers two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Construction Management and one in Concrete Industry Management. Both programs merge hands-on learning with innovative technology and business management skills. 

• Learn more at https://ccm.mtsu.edu.

SEGMENT TWO GUEST: Beth Dye, assistant director of MTSU Alumni Relations

TOPIC: MTSU Homecoming Week 2024 is quickly approaching!

MTSU’s Homecoming Celebration for this year, with a theme of “Blue Raider Rodeo,” is falling less than a month after the fall semester begins, so mark your calendars.  The Homecoming week of Sept. 16 culminates on Saturday, Sept. 21, with the Homecoming Parade and Mixer on Middle Watching Party followed later by the football game against Duke University at Floyd Stadium kicking off at 6 p.m.

Immediately after the parade, a tailgate lunch will be held on The Grove with a performance by country-rock recording artists and alumni Cadillac Three. 

Also that week, this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients will be formally recognized, and this year’s Golden Raiders Class of 1974 will hold its 50th reunion celebration.

There will be other events throughout the week for students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters to enjoy. Check for more information and updates at mtalumni.com.

SEGMENT THREE GUESTS: Ray Wiley, associate director of MTSU Campus Recreation and longtime Red Cross volunteer; and Gene Baker, senior account manager of donor services for the American Red Cross

TOPIC: The Sept. 9-11 “100 Miles of Hope” friendly blood drive competition between MTSU and Conference USA rival Western Kentucky University

The annual 100 Miles of Hope Red Cross Blood Drive competition between MTSU and Conference USA rival Western Kentucky University is set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 9-11, at the gymnasium of the Student Health, Wellness and Recreation Center at 1848 Blue Raider Drive.

Although walk-ins are welcome, donors are encouraged to make an appointment through redcrossblood.org. Search for the 37132 zip code and event date Sept. 9-11. Donors can also use the American Red Cross blood donor app or text “BLOODAPP” to 90999.

Previously carrying the theme “Bleed Blue, Beat WKU,” the updated blood drive name is a play on the words of the rivalry between the football teams — dubbed “100 Miles of Hate” — which is the approximate distance between the Blue Raider campus in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the Hilltopper campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. But the blood drive committee wanted to focus on the positive aspect of the event with the word “hope” instead of hate.

Last year, a total of 905 units were collected during the three-day drive which takes place before the 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, football game between the Blue Raiders and Hilltoppers at Floyd Stadium.

The 2023 blood drive at MTSU brought the university’s total donations to 6,551 units of True Blue blood since 2010, potentially saving 19,653 neighbors’ lives across the region. With the 2023 competition complete, MTSU and WKU supporters together have given a combined 12,107 units of blood since 2010, potentially helping over 36,000 patients.