KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 1, 2020

Dr. Siddiqi, Chair of the Construction Management Department, is retiring in June 2020 from KSU where he served as the Chair and Professor in the Construction Management Department for almost twenty years.  In addition, Dr. Siddiqi also served as the Interim Dean of the College of Architecture and Construction Management from June to December 2019. Prior to joining academia Dr. Siddiqi worked in the construction industry for fifteen years.

One of the major accomplishments of Dr. Siddiqi was inviting leading construction companies of the region to serve on the KSU Construction Industry Advisory Board. These representatives share insight into the current job-markets and trends of the industry. These relationships have grown over the years and Dr. Siddiqi has been instrumental in keeping the CM program relevant to so many local businesses and supporters. Dr. Siddiqi was also instrumental in creating Ten (10) endowed scholarships for CM students besides numerous annual scholarships through the generosity of the board, alumni and other donors.  Dr. Siddiqi took the initiative in 2001 to organize the first fundraiser for the CM Department, which has continued to raise moneys for a future CM building, improving existing facilities, scholarships and other student and faculty activities. 

Dr. Siddiqi is a valued researcher, teacher and a scholar. He wrote and completed a number of funded research grants and has authored 50 plus peer-reviewed publications which he co-authored with his students and colleagues.  He has published regularly throughout his career in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, ASCE Journal of Architectural Engineering, Facility Management Journal, Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Conferences, Construction in the 21st Century Conferences, and many others.  Dr. Siddiqi has been a life member of American Society of Civil Engineers, founding member of Architectural Engineering Institute, Trustee of American Council of Construction Education (ACCE), and Chair of Accreditation Committee of ACCE.  Dr. Siddiqi was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2004, and was presented Outstanding Educator Award by the Associated Schools of Construction in 2005. In addition, Dr. Siddiqi was selected for University System of Georgia Executive Learning Institute Scholar Program in 2009-10, and University System of Georgia Accelerated Leadership Academy Scholar program in 2013-14.

We sincerely appreciate Dr. Siddiqi’s years of leadership and recognize that he has developed the Department into one of the most respected Construction Management degree granting institution in the US.  During his tenure KSU’s Master of Science in Construction Management program was awarded its initial accreditation and subsequently reaccredited by the American Council of Construction Education. Likewise, the Bachelor of Science Construction Management program with the Facility Management concentration was awarded its initial accreditation and subsequently reaccredited by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and is now accredited by ABET.  The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management program received three reaccreditations from the American Council of Construction Education during his tenure. Dr. Siddiqi introduced concentrations at the BS level, which include General Contracting, Heavy Construction, Residential Construction, Specialty Construction, and Land Development. In addition, Dr. Siddiqi initiated four certificate programs for working professionals to enhance their qualifications and skills.

Dr. Siddiqi oversaw the merger of Kennesaw State University/Southern Polytechnic State University. According to Dr. Siddiqi “it was challenging during the merger, but the result was a new university which was bigger and better”. He has worked for decades to improve the quality of construction education in the State of Georgia and the US.

We are ever grateful for Dr. Siddiqi’s efforts and long-standing commitment to the construction management industry and his caring attitude towards the many students in which he served. On behalf of the college, alumni, and industry partners wish Dr. Siddiqi the best in his future adventures, no matter where they take him.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation a celebration of his service will be held at a future date.

Sincerely,

Dean Andrew Phillip Payne - April 2020