KENNESAW, Ga. | May 19, 2026

For more than 65 years, Holder Construction has built its reputation on long-term thinking, investing not only in projects but in people, partnerships, and the future of the construction industry.

That commitment is reflected in the company’s decades-long relationship with Kennesaw State University and its recent investment in the KSU Research Consortium, an initiative advancing shared, applied research across construction and architecture.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Beth Lowry, Holder Construction continues to strengthen the connection between education, innovation, and industry impact, ensuring the company and the industry it serves are prepared for what comes next.

Leadership rooted in Holder Construction values

Lowry’s leadership journey mirrors Holder Construction’s emphasis on stewardship and continuity. She began her career at Holder as an intern after earning a degree in construction management and steadily progressed through roles of increasing responsibility. Named president in 2022 and president and CEO in 2024, Lowry brings a deep understanding of the company’s people-first culture and long-term vision. “It was never a goal of mine to be the CEO,” Lowry said. “It was really more a journey of opportunity.”

That journey included more than a decade leading business development and strategy as Holder Construction grew from a regional contractor into a national firm. Today, Lowry sees her role as creating the conditions for teams to succeed, bringing people together, and ensuring their best ideas can rise to the surface.

A longstanding partnership with KSU

Partnership has always been a core value at Holder Construction, extending beyond clients and trade partners to the communities where the company lives and works.

“Partnership is a core value of Holder Construction,” Lowry said. “We look at really long-term relationships and value those deeply.”

That philosophy has shaped Holder’s enduring relationship with Kennesaw State University. Company Chairman Tommy Holder previously chaired the KSU Foundation Board. At the same time, Lowry has been engaged with the university for nearly two decades, serving on the construction management industry advisory board, and now, as a trustee and co-chair of the Campaign for KSU.

Her involvement dates back to the Southern Polytechnic State University era, before its consolidation with KSU.

“I got to see the evolution of it all,” Lowry said. “And the growth has had a 10 times effect for students – more programs, more career experiences, and more opportunities overall.”

Investing in talent and the workforce pipeline

That impact is evident within Holder Construction, where KSU alums and students are represented at every level, from interns to senior leadership.

“We have over 100 KSU students across Holder at all stages of their careers,” Lowry said. “They have a tremendous work ethic and are eager to do a really good job.”

For Holder Construction, supporting higher education is both a community commitment and a strategic investment in the future workforce.

“How better to get connected to the next generation than by investing in the next generation?” Lowry said.

Advancing industry innovation through shared research

The latest chapter in the Holder–KSU partnership is the company’s investment to establish a $500,000 endowment for the KSU Research Consortium, which supports collaborative, industry-informed research.

Lowry said the consortium’s shared model aligned naturally with Holder Construction’s values.

“Creating a consortium where multiple companies invest in shared research just made sense,” she said. “Instead of one company doing it alone, we can build the infrastructure together.”

“There’s real opportunity in applied research,” said Lowry, pointing to areas such as safety, productivity, artificial intelligence, and robotics. “This is about improving how our industry works.”

Looking ahead

For Lowry, leadership is less about titles and more about impact on people, institutions, and the industry’s future.

“Leadership is about influencing the best out of everybody,” she said.

As Holder Construction looks ahead, its commitment to Kennesaw State University remains strong.

“We’re deeply committed to the success of future generations and the students in our backyard,” Lowry said.

“Continuing to be a good partner and supporting what KSU needs will always matter to us.”

This article also appears in the current issue of Summit Magazine.

– Story by Dedra Waindi

Photos 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.