Albertson ready to carry the torch as inaugural Casey Cline CMA Fellow

For nearly two decades, Professor Casey Cline helped shape Boise State's Department of Construction Management as a faculty member, department chair and faculty advisor to the Construction Management Association (CMA) student chapter.

Under his guidance, the chapter became the most-awarded Associated General Contractors of America student chapter in the country. This summer, that legacy found its next steward as William "BJ" Albertson was named the inaugural Casey Cline CMA Fellow.

"It's a big responsibility to step into a role that supports hands-on, experiential learning for students," Albertson said. "These projects give students an opportunity to give back to the community while putting what they've learned in their courses to work."

"The CMA projects are a cornerstone of the Department of Construction Management, fostering a culture where we use our skills to make a real difference in our community," said Anthony Perrenoud, the William H. McMurren Endowed Chair of Construction Management. "This is why we love construction, through hands-on work we are able to see immediate impact."

Albertson's connection to Cline predates the fellowship itself. The two met years ago when the CMA was managing a community project built by Albertson's high school students - an early sign of the shared philosophy that now anchors Albertson's approach to the role.

"We share a belief in the importance of hands-on experience and learning by doing," Albertson said. "Some of the most impactful lessons come from struggles and mistakes, and projects provide plenty of opportunities for both."

Stepping into the role

A generous gift to the Boise State University Foundation from the Construction Management Alumni Chapter formally established the Casey Cline CMA Fellowship. This endowed fund is designed to support future student leaders in Boise State's construction management program.

"Endowed roles like the CMA Fellowship are critical for establishing long-term support for Boise State faculty and students," said Argia Beristain, CEO of the Foundation. "They provide support for leaders such as Professor Albertson not only in their current efforts but also in leaving a legacy for future generations."

As the CMA Fellow, Albertson works closely with student-elected leadership to plan and manage community, department and university projects, while helping sustain the tight-knit culture students experience within the department. The chapter's networking and social events, he said, help students build both professional and personal connections that carry well beyond graduation.

That culture-building responsibility comes with high expectations.

"No pressure!" Albertson joked about sustaining the chapter's status as the most awarded in the nation. "My role moving forward is to make sure the CMA keeps giving students opportunities to apply what they've learned in their courses to projects that benefit the community."

Albertson's path to this moment was built brick by brick. He has taught every current chapter leader in multiple courses, including hands-on labs in small groups. Those experiences helped him build relationships with students early in their time at Boise State, relationships he now draws on as their advisor.

Community-based projects remain central to that work. Following in the footsteps of past builds like the Highlands Elementary Ball Wall and the Dry Creek Historical Society, the CMA is currently partnering with the Bogus Basin Sports Education Foundation to construct a new deck for its training center, easing crowding during gatherings.

"They gain experience working directly with stakeholders, trade partners and team members," Albertson said of students serving as project managers. "This is the world they'll be heading into, but it might be years into their careers before a company gives them these opportunities and responsibilities."

Looking ahead, Albertson hopes to help the chapter find its own signature project, one in the spirit of Cline's Minidoka Guard Tower or ROTC rappelling wall builds.

"I'd love for the CMA to be part of something that's close to my heart and important to the students," Albertson added. "One they can point out to their own children and families years down the road."

Growth, mentorship and what's next

Alumni and industry partners remain central to the CMA's success. Albertson credited Cline for many of the introductions that helped him build his own industry relationships.

"They attend our fundraising events, including the annual sporting clays shoot, donate, host job walks, give guest presentations and partner with us on projects," Albertson said, adding that deepening that alumni pipeline remains a priority.

At the heart of Albertson's mentorship philosophy is connection.

"Connection makes hard conversations easier, shows students you have their best interests in mind, helps you find companies that fit their personalities and interests, and lets you challenge them at the right level," Albertson added.

Beyond technical skills, he hopes to instill a drive for continuous improvement, along with grit and resilience. Those are qualities every construction professional needs to navigate an ever-evolving industry, and they are cornerstones of the Boise State construction management program.

Balancing the new role with his teaching load has required planning, but it has let him build on connections already formed in the classroom. A year from now, he hopes to see the CMA simply keep growing, giving more students access to its projects, networking, and industry experiences.

To the alumni and industry partners who established the fellowship, Albertson's message is simple: "Thank you for recognizing the importance of the CMA, Casey's role in its success and in the success of construction management at Boise State, and for your continued support."

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