KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 8, 2026

Kennesaw State University associate professor Minsoo Baek has earned the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Regional Outstanding Educator Award, recognizing his excellence in teaching, mentorship, and service to the construction education profession.

Presented at the 62nd Annual ASC International Conference, the award honors faculty members with at least seven years of teaching experience who demonstrate exceptional classroom instruction and meaningful contributions to construction education. It also recognizes a commitment to advancing the construction profession.

“Dr. Baek's commitment to student success, innovative teaching, and service to the construction profession exemplifies the excellence we strive for in the College of Architecture and Construction Management,” said Dean Hazem Rashed-Ali. “He consistently goes above and beyond to prepare our students for successful careers while advancing construction education through his research and professional engagement. We are proud to see him recognized with this well-deserved honor.”

Since joining Kennesaw State in 2019, Baek has focused on preparing students for careers in construction management through hands-on learning experiences, industry-focused instruction, and individualized mentorship. His interest in construction began during his childhood in South Korea. He recalls watching buildings rise from empty lots near his family's business and becoming fascinated by the process of transforming an undeveloped site into a completed structure.

“I saw buildings being built from the ground up,” Baek said. “I became interested in how projects were managed and how construction teams brought those projects to life.”

That early curiosity led him to pursue a bachelor's degree in South Korea, followed by a master's degree in civil engineering from Purdue University and a doctoral degree in building construction from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Today, Baek emphasizes hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world construction projects. His classes combine foundational concepts with industry technologies and practical applications that help students transition successfully into their careers.

“I try to incorporate real-life project situations into the classroom,” he said. “I want students to learn the tools used in the industry so they are ready for their future careers.”

He also values hearing from former students after they graduate and enter the workforce.

“When students tell me they are using the tools and concepts they learned in my classes in the industry, that is something I am very proud of,” Baek said. “Those conversations are very rewarding.”

In addition to teaching, Baek has contributed to the construction education community through service with the Associated Schools of Construction, including serving on conference committees and supporting professional development initiatives. As construction technologies continue to evolve, Baek believes educators have an important responsibility to help students adapt to emerging trends, including artificial intelligence and other rapidly advancing digital tools.

“The industry is changing very fast,” he said. “We need to continue bringing new technologies into the classroom so students can learn innovative tools and be prepared for the future.”

Baek also believes mentorship plays a critical role in student success. Recognizing that students learn differently and arrive with varying levels of experience, he works closely with students to provide individualized guidance and support.

“Faculty need to be patient and understand that every student has a different learning process,” he said. “We need to help them overcome challenges and guide them toward success in their future careers.”

For Baek, the award reflects the work he hopes to continue through teaching, mentorship and research.

‘I want to continue growing as an educator and researcher,” he said. “The more we can connect research, technology, and teaching, the more we can help students succeed.”

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 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.