Alumnus Helps Oversee Patrick F. Taylor Hall Construction

Roger Husser received his master’s degree in biological and agricultural engineering from LSU’s College of Engineering in 2000. Fifteen years later, he’s helping to oversee a $110 million project to renovate and expand the College’s facilities. Erica Pater, assistant manager of external relations, talked with him about that journey.

What is your hometown?
Husser, Louisiana

Where did you receive your undergraduate degree? In what? And why did you choose LSU to pursue your graduate degree?
I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from University of Louisiana at Lafayette (USL at the time). I became employed at LSU as a Research Associate and chose to pursue a master’s degree while employed.

I understand you’re the Director of Planning, Design and Construction for LSU. Please share a bit about what you do and what your day-to-day looks like. How long have you held this position?
My current position, which I have held for three years, involves oversight of all planning and development on the LSU campus. Day-to-day activities include managing staff and contracted architects and engineers and working with campus stakeholders to plan and implement improvements to the LSU campus.

What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on since being employed here at LSU?
Patrick F. Taylor Hall, of course! This is the largest project at LSU and the largest educational project in the state, to date. It is very rewarding to be part of a [project that has] such an impact to the college and LSU, and to create a new facility that will likely still exist a century or more from now. As a student sitting in classes in the CEBA building, I never would have dreamed I would be responsible for the improvements being made and that the faculty would one day depend on me.

How did your studies prepare you for your current position?
An engineering degree prepares us to solve problems and a role such as the one I have is continual problem solving of all types.

What were your goals while in school? Did you always want to pursue a position similar to your current one?
My goals while in school were not very specific, but I did have an interest in buildings and development and always had an interest in creating things. My current position has turned out to be ideal for me by allowing me to create things that will last a very long time.

Briefly tell me about your time here as a grad student. What are some of your fondest LSU memories?
I obtained my master’s degree while employed full time at LSU. Other than graduation, the day-to-day camaraderie with faculty and other students are my fondest memories.

What advice would you give to students seeking a degree in engineering?
Take every opportunity to obtain as much practical experience in your field as you can and always keep in mind those who have to operate and maintain the things we engineers create.

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Written Q+A by Erica Pater, assistant manager of external relations. Video produced by Laura J. Odenwald, assistant manager of digital marketing.