Puckett named director of UNL's Durham School

Jay A. Puckett, V.O. Smith Professor of Civil and Architectural Engineering at the University of Wyoming, has been named director of the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He will begin his duties full-time the week of Aug. 17.

Puckett has worked in research and development for more than 30 years. He began working at the University of Wyoming as an assistant professor in 1983 and was named V.O. Smith Professor in 2007. He also serves as president of BridgeTech, Inc., a software development company.

Puckett's research projects have focused on software development and physical testing of bridges and bridge components, as well as the analysis, design and creation of rating tools for steel, concrete and wood. He is a consultant with the Wyoming Department of Transportation to develop and maintain the BRASS software suite and create programs for the analysis, design review and rating of bridges.

He received his bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri, and his master of science and doctoral degrees in civil engineering from Colorado State University.

"We are pleased that Dr. Puckett will be leading the Durham School's programs," said Tim Wei, dean of the College of Engineering. "His leadership experience and expertise in the areas of bridge analysis and maintenance will continue the school's commitment to providing qualified professionals for the building design and construction industries."

As part of the UNL College of Engineering, the Durham School offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in architectural engineering, construction engineering and construction management on the college's campuses in Lincoln and Omaha. It is the only program in the nation that combines the three programs under one school, giving students a comprehensive building system education.

The Durham School is named for the late Charles "Chuck" Durham, former chairman and CEO of HDR Inc. Durham and his late wife, Margre, established the Durham Foundation, which made the initial major gift to the school in 2005.

Writer: Karl Vogel, College of Engineering