Dr. Anthony J. Lamanna
The PENTA Building Group Professor
Del E. Webb School of Construction | Arizona State University
Dr. Anthony (Tony) J. Lamanna is a distinguished figure in the field of civil engineering and construction management, currently serving as The PENTA Building Group Professor at Arizona State University's Del E. Webb School of Construction. His career is marked by significant contributions to both academia and industry, particularly in sustainable development and construction education.
Educational Background
Tony’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, concentrating in construction management, from The Catholic University of America in 1997. He furthered his studies at Purdue University, earning a Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a focus on construction materials in 1998. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he obtained both a Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics in 2001 and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Structures) in 2002.
Professional Experience
Tony commenced his teaching career at Tulane University in New Orleans. Following the closure of Tulane's engineering programs due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he founded Lamanna Engineering Consultants, LLC, specializing in the repair, retrofit, and adaptive reuse of existing structures. Concurrently, he served as an adjunct professor at the University of New Orleans, teaching courses in reinforced concrete and structural steel design. In 2013, he joined Eastern Kentucky University as an associate professor in the construction management program, where he played a pivotal role in transitioning the program to a student learning outcome-based accreditation standard and led a successful reaccreditation process with ACCE.
“I recently completed the Teaching Learning Practitioner Certification with Dr Lamanna, which I found to be incredibly useful. The program covers important teaching skills specifically designed for this field, including instructional design and hands-on teaching techniques. The instructors share real-world insights, making it easy to see how the concepts apply in practice. The interactive format allowed me to sharpen my skills. Overall, this certification has made a big difference in my ability to train others in construction and should be considered for anyone looking to boost their teaching skills in this area.” - Randy Doxzon Director of Workforce Development & Apprenticeship Resources ABC Keystone
Contributions to the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)
Tony has been instrumental in advancing construction education through his involvement with the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). He serves as the chair of the Teaching and Learning Practitioner (TLP) Certification Program Task Force, which aims to enhance the teaching practices of construction educators and industry professionals. The program provides a credential signifying a standardized level of knowledge in teaching. Dr. Lamanna's leadership in this initiative underscores his commitment to elevating educational standards within the construction industry. He is also a trainer, often leading the Case Studies training sessions at ACCE meetings.
Academic and Research Interests
At Arizona State University, Tony’s research interests encompass sustainable development, roofing systems, construction of high-tech facilities, and the retrofit and adaptive reuse of structures. He has contributed to various committees within the American Concrete Institute, including those focused on anchorage to concrete and serves on the board level Construction Liaison Committee (CLC). Additionally, he has served as the editor for the fourth edition of the "Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction" and coordinated the ACI Concrete Construction Student Competition for five years, reflecting his dedication to integrating practical industry insights into academic settings.
Professional Affiliations and Personal Interests
Tony is recognized as a Fellow of both the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). His commitment to community service is evident through his active participation in Rotary International, having held presidential roles in the New Orleans Riverbend, Richmond Kentucky, and Phoenix East clubs. Beyond his professional endeavors, he not only brews his own beer and wine, but he is also a certified beer judge and enjoys judging beer competitions, showcasing his appreciation for craftsmanship in various forms. He also enjoys playing various games with his 10-year-old son Enzo, as well as teaching him new skills. For example, he taught Enzo how to weld during the pandemic.
Dr. Tony Lamanna's career reflects a profound dedication to advancing construction education, sustainable practices, and community engagement, making him a respected leader in his field.
