Alumni
College Graduate Receives Statewide Honor
Construction Management Graduate Wins Work-Based Learning Award
RALEIGH, N.C. (November 8, 2024) – Wake Tech is proud to announce that Kimberly Lewis has been named the North Carolina Work-Based Learning Association's Outstanding Student of the Year.
Lewis graduated in May with a degree in Construction Management Technology. She's the first student from Wake Tech to earn this award.
The award recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional effort and achievement in their Work-Based Learning experience. Work-Based Learning allows students to apply what they've learned in the classroom and work for an employer in a position directly related to their field of study for course credit.
Lewis' Work-Based Learning experience took place in the spring, when she worked 320 hours over 16 weeks with Monteith Construction, serving as a project engineer on the Jewish Community Center construction job site in Durham.
Sam Pierce of Monteith said Lewis' passion drew the attention and respect of the team in short order.
"Kimberly got hands-on training fast," Pierce said. "She answered questions for subcontractors in the field, talked to building inspectors, clarified details with architects and engineers, and she communicated problems and solutions directly with the client. The work we do is difficult, and Kimberly's boldness, curiosity and passion bring joy to that hard work. We are honored to work alongside her."
Lewis came to Wake Tech in 2022 seeking a new career after 12 years of unfulfilling work scheduling and coordinating commercials in the radio industry. She said she's thankful for the college, her instructors and Monteith Construction for giving her a chance and helping her succeed in a career that she loves.
"When I left my career in radio, I didn't think moving to construction management was even possible, so I was surprised to receive this award," she said. "I've put a lot of effort into my career change, and the recognition is encouraging and motivates me to continue to work hard and make others proud."
Lewis now works full time with Monteith as an assistant project superintendent. She's currently assigned to the newest building under construction at the college's Wake Tech East location, a project that holds a special place in her heart.
"Wake Tech created a path for me to walk into this career and to know that, in another year, where I now see concrete and steel, there will be classrooms. That's pretty cool," she said. "I'll be able to drive by the college for the rest of my life and say, 'I helped build the Advanced Technology Center.' And for that, I have tremendous excitement and appreciation."
Lewis was also named Wake Tech's Work-Based Student of the Year, while Assistant Professor of Construction Management Andreas Winston was recognized as Wake Tech's Faculty Coordinator of the Year for his efforts to connect students, including Lewis, to Work-Based Learning opportunities. Meanwhile, Advantage Consulting and Solutions LLC is the college's Outstanding Employer of the Year for providing hands-on learning and job training opportunities for Cybersecurity students.
More than 175 Wake Tech students are currently participating in Work-Based Learning. Learn more at wbl.waketech.edu.
