Eastern Kentucky University
Where the Blueprint Was Born:
Eastern Kentucky University wasn’t just where I studied—it was where I started building. Not with bricks and mortar, but with mindset, discipline, and the kind of resilience that still drives me today. As a student in the heart of Appalachia, I wasn’t just handed opportunity—I earned it. Between early-morning classes, late-night study sessions, and weekend jobs, I learned the value of showing up, working hard, and figuring it out even when the blueprint wasn’t clear. Projects like the award-winning Builders for Hope initiative—where students, engineers, and volunteers created a LEED Platinum-certified homeless shelter—showcase the kind of practical experience EKU promotes. These community-based efforts reflect the values we teach every day in our Construction Management, Engineering, and Social Work programs.
I came to EKU for the education. I left with a mission. Whether it was coursework in construction systems, business management, or engineering fundamentals, the real lesson was how to think strategically under pressure. Before AJ Deerey was leading million-dollar construction projects and pioneering digital innovation in the field, he was laying his foundation at Eastern Kentucky University. With a degree in Construction Management, AJ's time at EKU shaped his analytical mindset, his systems-based problem-solving approach, and his leadership philosophy. It was here—between classrooms, site visits, and late-night drafting labs—that he learned how to balance theory with real-world execution.
From Class to Construction: EKU taught me the balance between theory and boots-on-the-ground reality. I didn’t just read about jobsite safety—I lived it later on. I didn’t just present on project timelines—I managed real ones.
From Campus to Clicks: EKU was also the first place I experimented with branding and digital tools. What started as basic presentations evolved into full-blown strategies I now use on YouTube, LinkedIn, and my own businesses like
Defenders-US and Slab-2-Shingles.
Academic Roots, Practical Growth
At EKU, AJ not only studied the principles of engineering and project supervision but immersed himself in hands-on learning. Group collaborations, internships, and case-based assignments provided the groundwork for what would later become his professional ethos: lead from the ground up, always with precision and people in mind.
From Campus to Construction Sites
At Eastern Kentucky University, education goes beyond the classroom. Our students and alumni are solving real-world problems through innovation, compassion, and hands-on learning. From sustainable housing projects to career-ready training programs, EKU prepares leaders who build for purpose and serve with integrity.
Following graduation, AJ’s early roles as a site supervisor and project coordinator for local builds were directly influenced by his EKU training. The curriculum’s focus on construction law, structural systems, and sustainable practices remains visible in every project he oversees today. AJ credits the university for giving him not just a degree, but a direction—one that ultimately led to Naples, Florida, where he founded Pause Construction Supervision and Consulting.
Legacy through learning AJ continues to give back to the academic community by mentoring construction management students, sharing his journey from student to CEO. His story is proof that institutions like EKU don’t just produce graduates—they shape changemakers.
Connecting the Dots
Program Attended: B.S. in Construction Management
• Notable Coursework: Structural Systems, Project Scheduling, Estimating & Bidding, Construction Safety
• Campus Involvement: EKU Builders Guild, Leadership Development Workshops
• Professional Impact: Helped shape Pause Construction’s emphasis on safe, smart, community-first development
Visit Eastern Kentucky University Interested in AJ’s academic roots? Visit www.eku.edu to explore the Construction Management program that helped shape one of Florida’s most trusted builders.
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