Lester named to Construction Champions list

Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies for Pennsylvania College of Technology, was honored as a Construction Champion by Construction Dive, a leading industry publication.

The annual list recognizes the most inspiring women leaders throughout the commercial construction industry.

“Ellyn’s entire career has focused on talent: identifying it, leveraging it and nurturing it,” her nominator wrote.

“Ellyn truly is a Construction Champion for our students,” said Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies at the college. “In addition to supporting students in our programs, she leverages her vast network of professionals to create opportunities for students to learn about the industry outside the classroom. Whether it’s hearing from construction managers, architects and engineers about their trials and tribulations in billion-dollar projects, or escorting students on a trip to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Waters, Ellyn is always trying to find ways to expose students – and especially women – to careers in the built environment. We couldn’t be more proud of Ellyn’s accomplishments, her support of our students, and her being recognized as a 2024 Construction Champion.”

Lester is among 31 women selected from a pool of more than 400 nominees for the 2024 edition of the Construction Champions, which was published in Construction Dive on March 4. The list showcases a diverse array of expertise and steadfast dedication by honorees who are shaping the industry’s present and future.

“From rising stars to experienced mentors, this year’s Construction Champions capture just how much construction benefits from the wisdom and prowess of women across the board,” said Jenn Goodman, lead editor of Construction Dive. “Our annual list is a testament to their achievements as well as unwavering commitment to break barriers for other women interested in construction career paths. They are truly role models."

As Penn College’s assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies, Lester is responsible for all architecture, building construction, construction management and HVAC majors.

Before joining Penn College’s administrative staff in 2021, she was the associate chair of graduate studies for the Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering Department and chair of built environment programs for Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey.

Prior to Stevens, Lester was director of career services and adjunct faculty at NewSchool of Architecture and Design. Other experience includes establishing a national consulting firm (NovaConnect Inc.) and serving as vice president of architecture for MBA Management Inc., vice president of membership and marketing for the Design-Build Institute of America, and director of business development for WRS Architects Inc.

She has made peer-reviewed conference presentations and written for both peer-reviewed and industry publications. Most recently, she was a featured speaker at the Construction Management Association of America’s Annual Conference in the fall of 2023.

Lester belongs to several professional societies, including being the joint commissioner of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building Construction.

The National Association of Women in Construction honored Lester in 2020 with its Carol A. Kueker Construction Education Visionary Award. At Penn College, she was recognized as a role model by the Student Government Association. She is adviser for the college’s Women in Construction student organization and is vice program coordinator for Elevate: Empowering Women Through Mentorship.

Lester completed a doctorate in the built environment from the University of Salford (England). She holds a master’s degree in architecture and a bachelor’s degree in journalism, both from the University of Kansas.

Construction Dive provides in-depth journalism and insight into the most impactful news and trends for the industry, covering topics such as commercial building, design, deals, regulations and more.

To learn more about construction and architecture majors at Penn College, call the college’s School of Engineering Technologies at 570-327-4520.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.