Texas State University’s Construction Science and Management (CSM) and Concrete Industry Management (CIM) programs have partnered with Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, to advance construction education by integrating state-of-the-art construction surveying, layout, and reality capture technologies into the university’s curriculum.
Through this partnership, Leica Geosystems will support TXST by providing access to modern construction technologies, including robotic total stations, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment, laser scanners, and digital layout solutions to enhance instruction within the university’s construction and concrete curriculum. Leica Geosystems will also contribute industry expertise and practical insights, helping students understand how digital construction technologies are applied in real-world construction.
The investment represents a significant step toward ensuring TXST students graduate with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving construction industry.
“One of the best ways to advance innovation in construction is to ensure students graduate with experience using the technologies that are transforming the industry,” said Anthony Paturzo, vice president and general manager of the GMAT Construction Division, U.S. and Canada, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon. “This partnership helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the jobsite, giving graduates the skills and confidence to make an immediate impact.”
Modern construction projects increasingly rely on robotic total stations, digital workflows, integrated positioning technologies, machine control, automated layout systems, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration to improve accuracy, productivity, and project delivery. The equipment and curriculum enhancements will directly benefit nearly 1,100 undergraduate students enrolled in TXST’s CSM and CIM programs. Both programs have experienced sustained enrollment growth in recent years while continuing to strengthen partnerships with industry leaders committed to developing the next generation of construction and concrete professionals.
“As construction technology continues to evolve, it is essential that our students learn using the same advanced equipment and digital workflows they will encounter as they advance in their careers,” said Ryan Penlerick, Ph.D., professor of practice and program director of the construction and concrete programs at TXST. “While traditional surveying methods continue to provide an important foundation, today’s construction industry increasingly relies on robotic total stations, GNSS, laser scanning and integrated digital positioning technologies. We are incredibly grateful for Leica Geosystems’ investment in our students and their future.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, workforce development and experiential learning,” he said. “By providing our students with hands-on experience using industry-leading technology, Leica is helping ensure our graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact from their very first day on the job.”
By incorporating these technologies throughout the educational experience, TXST graduates will be better prepared to support increasingly digital project delivery methods across commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and concrete construction sectors.
The partnership also reinforces TXST’s longstanding commitment to industry engagement and experiential learning.