November 17, 2021

ZOUPEAC’s officers from left to right: Weitong Qi (co-secretary), Joe Bowers (treasurer), Dr. Carlos Sun (faculty advisor), Alli-Nicole Miller (vice president), Joe Renker (president), Qingzhong Zeng (co-secretary)

A new organization will bring together students interested in pursuing careers in construction management and in becoming a licensed professional engineer. The Mizzou Professional Engineers And Construction (ZOUPEAC) held its chartering ceremony on Monday, Nov. 15.

ZOUPEAC, pronounced “zoo peek,” will be affiliated with two national organizations: the Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). These affiliations will allow group members to take advantage of professional licensing and construction management opportunities.

“Up until this group formed, there was no Mizzou student organization set up for those interested in construction management,” ZOUPEAC President Joe Reneker, a doctoral student in civil engineering, said. “This group will give everyone interested in construction, architecture, business and/or engineering the chance to get advice and employment leads from professional engineers and construction managers.”

The organization will be based in the College of Engineering, but all students interested in construction management, especially those in the Trulaske College of Business and the Department of Architectural Studies, are welcomed to join.

At the chartering event, students had the chance to hear from regional and state leaders in construction during the event. Topics included the importance of getting a professional engineer (P.E.) registration, careers in construction and student opportunities in AGC.

Alli-Nicole Miller, a senior in finance and real estate with a minor in construction management, is vice president of ZOUPEAC. She has wanted a student organization focused on construction management to support students interested in that field.

“Students interested in construction management needed a group like this,” she said. “We’ll be able to gain more construction experience, get internships and make connections before graduating.”

Carlos Sun, professor of civil and environmental engineering and ZOUPEAC’s faculty advisor, views these types of organizations as important for students, the construction industry and the general public.

“The construction of public and private infrastructure is vital to the health and welfare of communities,” Sun said. “ZOUPEAC will be able to support the licensure of the next generation of professional engineers to help safeguard the public.”