PSU grad among nation’s top construction professionals

In the fall of 2016, Pittsburg State graduate Derek Hoffine was named one of the top construction professionals in the southeast region of the United States. The honor was bestowed by the Engineering News Record, which annually ranks the top young construction professionals in various regions of the U.S.

This year, for the first time, ENR took its rankings to the national level to compile its list of the top 20 young construction professionals in the nation.

And there’s that PSU grad again.

Pittsburg State graduate Derek Hoffine (left), accepts recognition for his company’s work on an FBI field office from then-FBI Director James Comey during a ceremony in Miami, Florida. Hoffine recently was named one of the nation’s top young professionals in the construction field.

Hoffine, a Wichita native, was named to ENR’s inaugural Top 20 Under 40 class. The winners, which include engineers, architects, entrepreneurs, academics, contractors and owners, were selected from an initial pool of 400 nominees.

An operations manager at Hensel Phelps in Orlando, Fla., Hoffine graduated from PSU in 2002 with a construction management degree.

“I’ve always been passionate about the construction industry and what opportunities it has to provide in all of our communities,” Hoffine said. “Pittsburg State helped start me on my path to a successful career. It is truly humbling to be acknowledged by ENR and my peers for my contributions to the industry and to the future generation interested in this field.”

Jim Otter, director of Pittsburg State’s School of Construction, congratulated Hoffine for his Top 20 selection.

“We are very proud of Derek for his continued professional success,” Otter said. “It’s no surprise to us that he was named to ENR’s Top 20 Under 40 list. Derek has always been a very hard worker who strives for excellence in all that he does. We congratulate him on this prestigious honor.”

In its Oct. 30 issue, ENR will spotlight members of this year’s Top 20 Under 40 class, including their thoughts on important issues facing the industry, such as mentorship, diversity, technology and work-life balance.

For more information, visit http://www.enr.com/blogs/13/post/42747-standouts-selected-for-enrs-inaugural-national-top-20-under-40-list.

To learn more about Pittsburg State’s School of Construction, visit http://www.pittstate.edu/department/construction/.