Carolyn McGary

Assistant Professor of Construction Project Management

Engineering and Engineering Technology

Bio

Hi, I’m Carolyn McGary—an educator, industry connector, and lifelong learner passionate about preparing the next generation of leaders in construction and facility management. After more than 20 years working in the field, I transitioned to higher education to bring real-world experience directly into the classroom.
I’m currently an Assistant Professor and Director of the Construction Project Management program at MSU Denver, where I focus on bridging academic knowledge with industry relevance. I’ve helped develop nationally recognized training programs, mentored students into successful careers, and built strong partnerships with employers to create hands-on learning opportunities.
My teaching philosophy centers on inclusion, innovation, and engagement. I love using immersive themes and simulations to help students connect course content with real-life challenges. Whether it's through gamified learning, open educational resources, or industry competitions like the Facilithon, I believe education should spark curiosity, confidence, and community.
Outside of class, you might find me collaborating with industry groups like IFMA or SkillsUSA, creating pathways for students into high-demand careers. I’m always excited to talk shop, swap ideas, and support others who are just as passionate about building the future—literally and figuratively.

Research Interests

My research interests focus on creating and publishing peer-reviewed educational resources that support the development of facility and construction management programs at institutions nationwide. These resources aim to address gaps in accessibility, affordability, and quality in higher education, particularly for first-generation and underrepresented students.
In 2024, I successfully published an Open Educational Resource (OER) textbook for my Introduction to Construction Project Management course. This resource transforms the traditional classroom experience by offering free, adaptable materials that other educators can implement. Building on this success, I plan to develop and publish a similar OER textbook for my Introduction to Facility Management course in 2025. These projects are part of my ongoing commitment to creating innovative and accessible tools that empower both students and educators.
In addition to OER development, I am interested in exploring the intersection of technology and experiential learning in construction and facility management education. By integrating virtual site visits, augmented reality tools, and project-based assignments, I aim to enhance students’ hands-on understanding of industry practices. My future research will focus on assessing the impact of these tools on student learning outcomes and their readiness for professional roles.
Through these efforts, my research will not only support MSU Denver’s mission of transformative education but also serve as a model for institutions across the nation. I am committed to fostering equity and excellence in education by producing resources and methodologies that bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice.

Teaching Interests

Teaching has been a lifelong passion of mine. Even as a college student more than 20 years ago, I knew I would eventually return to the classroom to share what I had learned. That passion has only grown stronger over time. A few years ago, I made the rare move to step back from my full-time industry role so I could devote more energy to teaching—a decision that reflects how deeply I value education and student success.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in MSU Denver’s CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. I strive to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments where all learners feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow. I incorporate Open Educational Resources to reduce barriers, and I design my courses around the principles of Universal Design for Learning to meet students where they are. I actively connect classroom learning to real-world practice through industry partnerships, mentoring, and experiential projects.
Through all of this, I aim to transform education into a bridge—between industry and academia, between where students are and where they want to go.

Office Hours

Currently by appointment: https://calendly.com/carolynmcgary/meetme