Nancy Juneau and Stephan Durham
Stephan Durham, professor and assistant dean for student success and outreach, has been named the inaugural holder of the Juneau Construction Company Professorship in Civil Engineering. The newly-established professorship was generously funded by Nancy (BSED ’82) and Les Juneau to support a professor of civil engineering.
Durham joined UGA’s engineering faculty as an associate professor and program coordinator for civil engineering in 2012. In this position, he helped develop the college’s undergraduate degree program in civil engineering. Durham earned his doctorate in civil engineering with a structural engineering emphasis from the University of Arkansas. His research focuses on innovative concrete materials and mixtures, design and evaluation of pavements, non-destructive testing, evaluation or construction practices, and bridge engineering.
“I am incredibly honored to have been selected for the Juneau Construction Company Professorship and extend my sincerest gratitude to Nancy and Les Juneau,” said Durham. “I promise to do all I can to honor this professorship and continue supporting our students and college to the best of my abilities.”
In addition to his teaching and research, Durham serves as the College of Engineering’s assistant dean for student success and outreach. In this position, he develops and executes professional development activities for undergraduate and graduate students; coordinates nominations and student applications for fellowships, scholarships and travel awards; co-advises the college’s student ambassador program and Equity Engineers Council; supports and coordinates student club activities; and leads the college’s Emerging Engineers Leadership Development program.
Nancy, Les, and their Atlanta-based construction company, Juneau Construction, have been long-time supporters of the University of Georgia. The two have made gifts to every school, college, and unit at UGA. Although they are not graduates of the College of Engineering, they recognize that the college is on an upward trend and hope that their support will attract a top-tier educator who will prepare students to succeed both in the classroom and in their next steps in life.
“Professors can be role models who listen to the challenges students are facing and provide guidance on preparing them to succeed in the classroom and readying them for the next step,” said Nancy.
The Juneau Construction Company Professorship in Civil Engineering marks the first professorship established at the college specifically for civil engineering.
“UGA Engineering’s stock as a program is rising every year,” added Les. “We have experienced first-hand the talent of its graduates, who will only continue to be more impressive as they are mentored by the best professors in the business, which includes Dr. Stephan Durham.”
The Juneaus’ generous contribution was matched by support funds from the University of Georgia Foundation, creating a new endowment. This investment is poised to have a lasting impact on the college.
“We are grateful to Nancy and Les for their continued and generous support of our college and the establishment of this professorship,” said Don Leo, dean of the College of Engineering. “Dr. Durham’s dedication to the civil engineering program at the college makes him truly deserving of this recognition.”
Writer: Lillian Ballance, lillianhb@uga.edu
