The CIM program at South Dakota State University has appointed Alan Sparkman as its new program coordinator, effective June 22, 2026.
The National Steering Committee (NSC) for the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program is happy to announce that the CIM program at South Dakota State University (SDSU) has named Alan Sparkman as the new program coordinator. Sparkman, whose appointment will be effective beginning June 22, 2026, brings decades of executive leadership and technical expertise to the university, positioning the program for continued growth and industry alignment.
“Alan brings a strong background in the concrete industry and in-depth familiarity with the CIM programs along with a clear commitment to excellence, collaboration and student success,” said Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Dean of Engineering at South Dakota State University. “We are confident that under Alan’s leadership, the program will continue to grow and thrive.”
Sparkman joins SDSU after serving as the executive director of the Tennessee Concrete Association since 1998. During his tenure there, he led the association to significant recognition, including being named State Association of the Year three times by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. His academic experience includes serving as an assistant professor for the CIM program at Middle Tennessee State University, where he developed and taught courses on concrete construction sustainability.
“Alan brings a deep background in the concrete industry along with many years of experience in education and mentoring,” said John Cunningham, chair of the North Central Region Patrons Group. “He is unique in that he has experience as a ready-mix producer, association executive, educator and CIM patron. Alan’s numerous certifications and designations further solidify his standing as a concrete industry expert and educator.”
“Alan will succeed Tim Hostettler as head of the CIM Program at SDSU,” said Nicole Maher, Executive Director of CIM’s National Steering Committee. “Tim’s dedication and leadership since the program’s launch in 2021 have been instrumental in its success. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to students and the industry, which has established a strong foundation for future growth and engagement.
The Concrete Industry Management program at South Dakota State University is a hands-on technology discipline designed to prepare students for technical and managerial careers in the concrete industry. As one of only five universities in the nation to offer this degree, the program provides graduates with a business management education rooted in concrete technology. Sparkman will oversee curriculum implementation and industry partnerships to ensure graduates are ready to manage people and systems within the concrete industry.