Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, received the 2026 Mark Hasso Educator of the Year Award from the Construction Management Association of America. The honor recognizes outstanding educators whose dedication to teaching, mentorship, and service has made a lasting impact on construction management education and the development of future industry leaders.
In her current role, Dr. Lester oversees Penn College’s architecture, building construction, construction management, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning programs. Before joining the Penn College administration, she served as director of built environment programs and associate chair of graduate studies for the civil, environmental, and ocean engineering department at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. She has also served as director of career services at NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego.
Outside of her work in academia, Dr. Lester has extensive industry experience in architecture. She previously served as vice president of architecture for MBA Management Inc., vice president of membership and marketing for the Design-Build Institute of America, and director of business development for WRS Architects Inc. Dr. Lester also established NovaConnect Inc., a national consulting firm.
Dr. Lester received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and her master’s degree in architecture from the University of Kansas. She earned a doctorate in the built environment from the University of Salford in England.