KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 28, 2025

Kennesaw State University construction management student Aria Lavender was recently honored with the Outstanding Student Award at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

Presented by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the award recognizes student members for their leadership, academic achievement, and dedication to the construction industry. 

Lavender, who serves as president of KSU’s NAHB chapter, played a key role in leading the team to a seventh-place finish in the national student competition. The annual competition challenges students to develop real-world construction solutions, testing their skills in project management, estimation, and design. Under Lavender’s leadership, the team strengthened its collaborations, refined its proposal, and earned recognition among some of the top construction management programs in the country. 

“Winning this award is an incredible honor, and it validates the hard work I’ve put into growing our chapter and excelling in my studies,” said Lavender, who has held internships with Juneau Construction Company and C.W. Mathews and will be returning to DPR Construction for an internship this summer. “It’s inspiring to be recognized on a national stage and to see our team’s efforts pay off.” 

Lavender’s passion for construction began in high school when she took an introductory class and fell in love with building and facilitating the construction process. That interest grew as she learned about the business and project management side of construction, leading her to pursue a degree in KSU’s College of Architecture and Construction Management (CACM). Since joining the construction management degree program, she has worked hard to bridge the gap between students and industry professionals.

As president of KSU’s NAHB chapter, Lavender has been instrumental in expanding student engagement, helping members secure internships, and fostering relationships with construction firms. Her leadership has led to increased participation in competitions and networking events, providing students with valuable industry exposure. 

“Aria’s selection for the Outstanding Student Award is a testament to her exceptional leadership,” CACM Dean Hazem Rashed-Ali said. “Her achievements not only highlight the strength of Kennesaw State’s construction management program but also underscore our commitment to preparing students for real-world success in the industry. We are incredibly proud of Aria’s contributions and look forward to seeing her continue to make a lasting impact in construction management.”

Beyond her personal growth, Lavender is passionate about mentoring other students and encouraging professional development within the construction industry. She has taken an active role in guiding underclassmen through networking opportunities, resume workshops, and career fairs, helping them gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

Her long-term goal is to become a construction project superintendent and eventually start her own firm. She hopes to use her platform to encourage more women to enter the construction industry and break barriers in the field. 

“I want to create opportunities for others and show young women that they have a place in construction,” she said. “This industry is evolving, and I’m excited to be a part of that change.” 

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.