Each spring, West Virginia University recognizes faculty members for their exceptional and innovative teaching.
This year, Muzibur Rahman, Ph.D., assistant professor of construction management at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, has been named one of four recipients across the WVU system for the 2026 WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching. Established by the WVU Foundation, the award honors faculty who demonstrate distinguished teaching and innovation in instructional methods, course design, and student engagement.
“I am deeply honored to receive the WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching. This recognition is very meaningful to me, as it reflects an ongoing commitment to improving my teaching and supporting student success,” says Rahman.
Rahman holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. He worked as a professional architect in Bangladesh before coming to the United States to study for his master’s degree in construction management. He returned to his home country to teach and work, and introduced the first construction management certificate program of its kind in Bangladesh at BRAC University. After several years, he decided to come back to the United States to pursue his Ph.D.
Since joining WVU Tech in 2021, Rahman has contributed to the development and growth of the Construction Management program, helping build a rigorous, industry-aligned curriculum that integrates digital tools, sustainability, and experiential learning. His teaching emphasizes simulation-based, hands-on instruction using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other industry-specific software to reflect real-world construction practices.
The Construction Management program at Tech was still in its infancy when he joined, and he has helped build it to the successful program it is today. Boasting a 100% job placement rate, it is the only four-year degree in construction management in West Virginia.
“There is a huge demand for our graduates,” Rahman says.
“When I joined, there was only one faculty member here. Since this is the only construction management program in West Virginia, I saw it as a huge responsibility - I have to deliver the materials so that our students are ready to start working day one after graduation,” he says. “I was involved in helping to develop the different courses and helping to make sure the content was industry-oriented. I always like to integrate industry practices.”
Rahman focuses on applied learning, professional communication, and workforce readiness in his courses. Students complete full project simulations that mirror real-world construction processes, including scheduling, cost analysis, and sustainability considerations.
“I chose to pursue a career in academia because of my interest in teaching and mentorship, and in helping students connect theory with real-world practice. In construction management, I saw an opportunity to prepare students with the skills and decision-making abilities needed in the industry,” he says.
In addition to his teaching, Rahman leads initiatives that improve access and innovation in higher education. He serves as principal investigator and project coordinator for a multi-faculty Open Educational Resources initiative supported by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, helping reduce textbook costs and strengthen curriculum alignment. He was recently selected as a 2025–2026 Open Education Research Fellow, a competitive national fellowship.
Rahman’s contributions extend beyond the university through outreach efforts, including hands-on workshops introducing K–12 students to construction and engineering concepts.
“Dr. Rahman’s contributions have significantly strengthened our Construction Management program,” said Tamara Floyd Smith Ph.D., vice president for Academic Affairs at WVU Tech. “His integration of industry tools, commitment to student success and leadership in curriculum innovation support program enrollment growth and stellar job placement rates.”
Rahman and the other award recipients will be honored at a ceremony on April 24 in Morgantown and will receive a $5,000 award.