A team of seven seniors in Pittsburg State University’s Construction Management program will leave a lasting mark on campus as they build an outdoor stage designed for performances, speakers, and special events on the east end of the historic Oval.
The project, known as the Oval Stage, will be located just west of Heckert-Wells Hall. Work is expected to begin Oct. 19 and conclude Dec. 4.
The stage will be constructed of concrete and measure approximately 30 feet east to west and 80 feet north to south, with a height of 1.5 to 2 feet. The project also includes replacing portions of the adjacent sidewalk. University electricians will relocate light poles and install electrical service to support future events.
For the students, it represents something more than a class assignment: it’s an opportunity to apply years of classroom learning to one of the university's most visible and meaningful spaces.
"It's awesome," said senior Eli Cunningham, who is serving as assistant superintendent for the project. "I've heard about this class since I was a freshman and have always wondered what project we would get to do. It's exciting to work on something that will be here for a long time."
A plaque recognizing the team, which also includes Peyton Ritter, Caden Miranda, Nate Adams, Evan Quinley, Kordell Webb, and Seth Volker, will be installed on the completed structure.
The semester-long project places these students in charge of nearly every aspect of construction planning and execution. Since the start of the semester, the team has met with university representatives, finalized design details, developed schedules and cost estimates, and worked to complete a contract with the university.
In the coming weeks, the team will begin demolition work, removing an overgrown concrete planter and sections of existing sidewalk. They'll then prepare the site, have loads of rock delivered, build footings, complete formwork, and oversee concrete placement. The work area will be fenced for safety throughout construction.
While industry partners and university personnel will assist with specialized elements of the project, students will perform much of the labor themselves, working between classes and after hours.
"We'll be the main ones working from start to finish," Cunningham said.
The project will require students to operate equipment such as skid steers and mini excavators while applying construction management principles learned throughout their degree program.
"What’s great about Pitt State's Construction Management program is how hands-on it is," Cunningham said. "We're getting to apply what we've learned and use it in the field."
The experience mirrors the realities students will encounter after graduation, combining project management, client communication, scheduling, budgeting, safety planning, and field operations into a single comprehensive assignment.
Construction Management faculty Chad Crain and Chris Pross are overseeing the project, guiding students as they navigate the challenges of delivering a project for a real-world client on a deadline.
For Cunningham, the capstone project also reflects the strong industry connections cultivated through the program. He already has accepted a position with Beran Concrete in Wichita, the company that will assist with concrete placement for the Oval Stage.
"One of the best parts of our program is how easy it is for students to make connections," Cunningham said. "Through presentations, company days, and interacting with people in the industry, you get to know people and build those relationships."
Once completed, the Oval Stage will provide a new gathering space at the heart of campus, creating opportunities for concerts, speakers, ceremonies, and student events for years to come.
“We’re all pretty proud of that,” he said.