Pettitt, second from left, and Khattab, second from right, were named MCAA Educators of the Year

Story by Daniel Ricci

Dennis Pettitt and Mostafa Khattab of the Department of Construction Management were named Educators of the Year by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America at its annual meeting in early March.

The annual award goes to the MCAA student chapter faculty advisor who demonstrates excellence in mentoring, project planning and support, interacting with the chapter’s local association sponsor, promoting professional interactions and relationships between the students and association members, membership recruitment and assisting chapter members with securing internships and full-time positions. The award is traditionally given to an individual faculty member, but this year, the CSU MCAA Student Chapter lobbied the organization to recognize both Pettitt and Khattab.

In making their case for the two, the student chapter provided numerous examples of how both men had made exceptional investments in student success as well as inspiring the MCAA Student Club to do the same. An example was Pettitt’s suggestion to create an MCAA mentorship program that pairs upperclassmen and lowerclassmen. The program has been a great success in building interest in the mechanical field and the MCAA Student Club.

‘Perfect  complements’

The students also talked about the sense of team and teamwork that infuses the work of both Pettitt and Khattab.

“They are perfect complements,” said MCAA Student Club Operations Manager Kennedi White. “Many schools have a great faculty advisor … here at CSU we are blessed to have two!”

When asked about the award, Khattab’s response exemplified the characteristics that led him to be nominated in the first place.

“I am deeply honored to be nominated by my students for the MCAA Award,” he said. “Without exception, my greatest joy as a faculty member is seeing my students excel.”