Manson Construction Co. Dredging Education Lab Marks Partnership with UNCW

University of North Carolina Wilmington (“UNCW”) honored Manson at the Coastal Engineering Program’s Senior Day in April by naming a lab the “Manson Construction Co. Dredging Education Lab.” The designation acknowledges Manson’s meaningful contribution to expanding the program’s educational resources through program development and monetary donations.

(L-R): UNCW Chancellor Dr. Aswani K. Volety, Manson field engineers Charles Murray and Hunter Anderson, Manson Dredging Engineering Manager Kyle Dickens, and Founding Dean of UNCW’s College of Science and Engineering Dr. Ron Vetter. Photo credit: J.Anthony Tedpahogo—Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Manson’s recent donation to UNCW’s Coastal Engineering Program will advance dredging research and expand resources for the university’s dredging program. The donation reflects Manson’s ongoing involvement with UNCW’s Industry Advisory Board, which connects dredging professionals with engineering students to provide real-world insight into the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

Kyle Dickens shared insights on the strong partnership between Manson and the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Coastal Engineering Program, highlighting the program’s continued growth and future opportunities. Photo credit: J.Anthony Tedpahogo—Marketing & Communications Coordinator

“Manson’s relationship with UNCW is important because it helps keep our engineering programs relevant, forward-looking, and aligned with workforce needs,” says Ron Vetter, founding dean of UNCW’s College of Coastal Engineering. “Manson’s support also demonstrates confidence in our programs and strengthens our ability to attract students, faculty, and partners who want to contribute to a strong academic community.”

The donation will help UNCW purchase dredging equipment, including a pipe loop that simulates material flow through a pipe, Ponar grab sampler systems used to collect sediment samples, and drones for surveying. According to Manson Dredging Engineering Manager Kyle Dickens, this support will give faculty and students hands-on access to equipment that deepens their understanding of dredging and better prepares them for work with a dredging contractor.

Kyle, who joined UNCW’s Advisory Board in 2024 and supports Manson’s dredging recruiting efforts from coast-to-coast, has played a key role in strengthening the partnership between Manson and UNCW. The relationship supports both organizations’ shared goal of developing the next generation of dredging engineers.

The new Manson Construction Co. Dredging Lab in the Coastal Engineering Building at University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Photo credit: J.Anthony Tedpahogo—Marketing & Communications Coordinator

“It’s easy to connect with students at UNCW because they take dredging and beach nourishment courses during their senior year which aligns closely with what Manson teaches new hires in the field,” Kyle says. “They learn skills such as topographic and hydrographic surveying, which Manson also provides to interns and full-time engineers, giving them valuable experience and the chance to apply what they’ve learned.”

Since 2023, Manson has hired numerous engineers and supported interns from UNCW, building a strong partnership rooted in a shared commitment to hands-on learning and practical dredging experience.

Field Engineer Hunter Anderson, who joined Manson in August 2025, is one of the UNCW alumni to join the company’s Jacksonville office after connecting with Kyle through dredging lectures and career fairs.

Hunter and Kyle checking out the new lab. Photo credit: J.Anthony Tedpahogo—Marketing & Communications Coordinator

“Kyle spoke in my Dredging and Beach Nourishment course, and I had already heard about Manson from field engineers and former classmates Andrew McLawhorn and Charles Murray, who joined the company a year before I did,” Hunter explains. “After meeting Kyle and hearing positive feedback from Andrew and Charles about the company, I knew I wanted to work at Manson, so I applied and I was able to join the team soon after graduating.”

As Manson builds its pipeline of young engineering talent, Kyle continues to recruit full-time hires, including Kara Knudson, who joined the company this summer.

“I’m excited to build on what I learned at UNCW and apply it to my new role at Manson,” Kara says. “My connection to Manson through the Industry Advisory Board has also given me opportunities to learn more about both the company and the industry.”

As the Manson-UNCW partnership grows, Kyle expects more talented graduates to join the company in the years ahead.

“What makes Manson unique is the hands-on experience we provide new hires in marine construction and dredging,” Kyle says. “UNCW emphasizes hands-on learning, which aligns well with the work we do at Manson.”

Visit Manson's Vimeo page to learn more about Manson's partnership with UNCW-Wilmington.