Reber receives American Concrete Institute education award

Pennsylvania College of Technology building construction technology instructor Franklin H. Reber Jr. was presented the American Concrete Institute’s Clyde E. Kesler Education Award during the institute’s fall convention, held Oct. 11-14 in Atlanta.

Reber was nominated for the award for his “outstanding contributions to concrete education through hands-on instruction, creation of a unique concrete science degree program, and dedicated outreach that prepares and inspires the next generation of concrete professionals.” Nominations for the award were accepted from ACI’s 172 participating countries.

Reber initiated the addition of an associate degree in concrete science technology to Penn College’s building construction program to help fill a void in the industry. Its graduates – who achieve a 100% overall job placement rate – are skilled in the production and analytical evaluation of concrete and its applications, aggregate selection, and admixture techniques and products. The college also offers two concrete technician competency credentials.

“Throughout his 20-plus years of teaching, he’s always stayed abreast of the latest material advances, as well as the innovations in the design and construction of concrete structures and has eagerly continued to mentor our numerous graduates on the many benefits of a career in concrete,” said Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies at the college.

Reber began his construction career as a cabinet builder for Yorktowne Kitchens (now Yorktowne Cabinetry) when he graduated from Mifflinburg High School, then worked in modular home construction for Ritz-Craft Custom Homes before owning and operating a construction business for more than 20 years and partnering in an excavation business and decorative concrete retail supply store.

He completed a bachelor’s degree from Penn State with a minor in business in 1987 and returned to the university to complete a teaching certificate and a Master of Education.

He began his work at Penn College as a part-time instructor, joining the full-time faculty in 2005.

He remains focused on building the college’s concrete science technology degree – enrollment for which has nearly doubled each year since its inception eight years ago – and its related competency credentials.

“Frank always goes above and beyond for the students and the college!” Lester said. “Whenever possible, he pursues equipment and material donations as well as financial support from the industry. In doing so, he ensures that the concrete science students get a chance to attend ACI and World of Concrete events, which broadens their view of the industry and their future in it.”

The American Concrete Institute is a leading global authority for the development, dissemination, and adoption of consensus-based standards, technical resources, and educational, training and certification programs. ACI has more than 90 chapters, 350 student chapters and approximately 40,000 members spanning more than 120 countries.

To learn more about the college’s building construction program, call 570-327-4520.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions & Secondary Partnerships Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.