The Roofing Alliance partners with Bradley University to elevate roofing education

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

This collaboration underscores a broader effort to address the industry's need for talented roofing professionals. 

The Roofing Alliance is the foundation of the industry and is committed to providing roofing education at all levels. With a track record of funding 54 research projects and tackling significant economic and technological challenges, the Roofing Alliance’s contributions extend far and wide. They prioritize the growth of education and training, engage in philanthropic outreach and honor the hardworking individuals who form the backbone of the roofing sector. 

Their vision is to foster a vibrant, sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders within the roofing industry. A prime example of this commitment is the collaboration between the Roofing Alliance and Clemson University, which has led to the adoption of an innovative roofing education model in construction management schools across the nation. The “Fundamentals of Roofing” course at Clemson University is a program that has spread to many universities including Bradley University. 

Bradley University is located outside of Chicago, Illinois and was founded by Lydia Moss Bradley who brought a horology (watchmaking) school to Peoria and expanded its offerings to include classics, industrial arts and home economics. Today, it has a leading construction management school active in construction overall and roofing. It has adopted the curriculum developed by Clemson University through Roofing Alliance funding and support. 

In an interview with Professor Souhail Elhouar, it was noted that Bradley University has forged a significant partnership with the Roofing Alliance, enriching its curriculum and fostering a deeper understanding of roofing among students. This collaboration underscores a broader effort to address the industry's need for talented roofing professionals. 

Souhail, who has been with Bradley University since 1994, began introducing roofing courses to the curriculum in 2018. His involvement with the Roofing Alliance was catalyzed by his participation in an accreditation visit and subsequent networking with industry professionals. “I thought it would be a very good opportunity for our students,” Souhail explains. “Until then, we had nothing really in our program talking about roofing.”  

This opportunity came through an invitation to participate in the Roofing Alliance competition. Despite the initial challenges, including tight timelines, Bradley University's students embraced the chance with enthusiasm. Although they did not qualify for the finals in their first attempt, the experience was invaluable and has led to continued success. 

The Roofing Alliance played a crucial role in Bradley University's journey into roofing education. They provided mentorship and financial support, including attendance at industry events like the International Roofing Expo (IRE). Souhail praises the Alliance’s support, noting, “The mentorship was great. They assigned us a local mentor who guided us through the competition. Even though we didn’t win, the students gained tremendous exposure and experience.” 

In subsequent years, the students' performance improved significantly. The persistence and support from the Roofing Alliance led to Bradley University qualifying for the finals and earning third place in later competitions. “The students were really excited,” says Souhail. “One of our students even won an award for the presentation, which was a significant achievement.” 

Souhail’s commitment to roofing education was further solidified through a workshop at Arizona State University, which provided essential materials developed by Clemson University. This course, which included comprehensive resources like PowerPoints, quizzes and video presentations, allowed Souhail to effectively teach roofing concepts. “It was wonderful. The materials made it very easy to set up and teach the course,” he reflects. 

Souhail notes that students are increasingly excited about the course, with many recognizing the importance of roofing in construction. “Initially, I had to persuade students to participate. Now, it’s much easier to find interested students,” he says. 

The impact of this initiative extends beyond the classroom. Souhail’s involvement with the Roofing Alliance has also led him to serve on the Roofing Construction Management Committee, further bridging the gap between academia and industry. “It’s been a very rewarding experience for me,” he states. “I’ve learned a lot and hope to contribute to the industry through this participation.” 

The partnership with the Roofing Alliance has not only enriched Bradley University’s curriculum but has also empowered students to become advocates for the roofing industry. “The students who participated now serve as good ambassadors for roofing,” Souhail adds. “They’ve interacted with the industry and are well-prepared to take on future opportunities.” 

As Souhail emphasizes, the support from the Roofing Alliance has been instrumental in making these educational advancements possible. “If it wasn’t for the Roofing Alliance creating these university programs, a lot of this would not be happening,” he concludes. “There are lots of opportunities in roofing, and having knowledgeable people in the field is crucial for the industry’s growth and sustainability.” 

Bradley University’s partnership with the Roofing Alliance represents a significant step towards addressing the industry's challenges and ensuring a talented workforce for the future.