Phil Lewis named head of construction science at Texas A&M
After nearly three years as interim, Dr. Phil Lewis is now the official head of the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M University College of Architecture.
“I am honored to be the department head for construction science at Texas A&M and spearhead the great work we do here,” said Lewis. “I am grateful for the trust and confidence that’s been placed in me. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our dedicated faculty, staff and students, with the construction industry and our partners, and continue to grow this program, strengthen our industry and build a better world.”
Lewis joined the Department of Construction Science in 2017 and served as associate department head and graduate program coordinator before his interim department head appointment in 2022.
Interim accomplishments
Since 2022, he has launched a new Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Science program, one of only a few Ph.D. construction programs in the country.
He converted the Master of Science in Construction Management program into a STEM-designated curriculum and under his leadership, enrollment in the program increased from 20 to over 100 students. Graduates from this program enter the field with an average $75,600 starting salary.
Lewis was also at the helm for the launch of a new Online Master of Science in Construction Management program in 2023, which allows industry professionals to earn a graduate degree while they work. It is one of only five graduate programs accredited by the ACCE, and graduated its first student in December 2024.
He is also one of a handful of selected fellows in the 2024-2025 SEC Academic Leadership Development Program cohort, which encourages leaders across SEC schools to foster their talents for academic administration.
During his tenure, the department-hosted Construction Industry Advisory Council Construction Science Career Fair has grown to over 275 companies in 2024 and is one of the largest student career fairs in the nation. Students in undergraduate construction science leave the college with a 99 percent job placement rate.
The future of construction science
In his new role, Lewis said he is focused on advancing the department’s strategic initiatives, including expanding enrollment and faculty and working closely with Texas A&M leadership to “right-size” the department. The department is on track to reach a target of 2,000 students and 100 faculty and staff by 2028.
“Phil listens well, consults others and takes his time to think deeply about the complexities and challenges of academic leadership,” said Interim Dean Dr. Patrick Suermann. “His department and I believe in his leadership, and I look forward to seeing Dr. Lewis push the department to reach its full potential.”
Lewis is from North Carolina. He and his wife Heather have three kids and one grandchild. Lewis and his son enjoy attending baseball games and visiting major stadiums nationwide.
