Construction Services
Our Construction Services Team was recognized as Baylor's Outstanding Team across the entire institution for 2023-2024.
Construction Focus Areas
Baylor's Construction Services department supports the mission of Baylor University by providing coordination and project management of major construction projects at the University. The staff oversees all capital construction improvements and architectural / engineering design services for the University.
Related Documents and Forms
Contact Information
JD Dethrow
Director of Construction Services
John D. (JD) Dethrow is Director of Construction Services at Baylor University, a role in which he oversees construction and renovation projects on the Baylor campus. Since joining Baylor University in 2012, JD has managed a variety of capital projects including the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center, Paul & Alejandra Foster Pavilion, 5th Street Promenade and Rosenbalm Fountain, Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation, Martin Residence Hall Renovation, Elliston Chapel, Billy W. Williams Golf Practice Facility, and various renovations within buildings on the Baylor campus.
From 2002 to 2012, JD was Project Engineer to Project Manager for McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., a national construction company. During his tenure with McCarthy, JD worked on a diverse range of construction projects in Texas and California, including the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Terminal D, the W Dallas Victory Hotel & Residences, Port of Houston Bayport Gate Complex, St. Joseph Hospital Cancer Center/ Medical Office Building/ Parking Structure (Orange, CA), California Prison Health Care Receivership, Children’s Hospital of Orange County New Patient Tower, and Fort Hood Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Replacement.
JD grew up in Richardson, TX and attended Texas A&M University where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His wife, Erin, is a graduate of Baylor University (B.S. FCS ’02), and they have two sons, Reid and Brewer. They attend Harris Creek Baptist Church.
jd_dethrow@baylor.edu
(254) 710-8368
Nichole M. Bekken
Construction Project Manager
Nichole is a Registered Architect, Interior Designer and Certified Project Manager with over 10 years of experience in Planning, Design and Construction within the realm of Facilities Management. She graduated Valedictorian from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Architecture, along with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design. She is motivated and detail oriented for the betterment of herself, her teams, and the projects she manages.
nichole_bekken@baylor.edu
(254) 710-2070
Carlos Diaz
Construction Project Manager
Carlos joined the Baylor Family in June 2024 with over 23 years of construction and maintenance experience. He has worked with Baylor University's Physical Plant for over 7 years, 5 of those years spent supporting the Project Management Team on new construction projects to include Baylor's Truett Seminary, Umphrey Law Center, and many other renovation projects throughout the years. Working for Baylor University has been one of his ultimate goals and he is proud to have made that goal come true.
Lauren Howell
Construction Project Manager
Lauren joined Baylor University in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design in Chicago, IL. Her experience ranges from Project Management, Occupancy Planning and Space Design with 20+ years of customer service-focused roles. She views kindness, authenticity, and true partnership as the most effective tools for achieving excellence.
lauren_howell@baylor.edu
(254) 710-2005
Anthony Mueller
Construction Project Manager
Anthony "AJ" Mueller joined Baylor University in 2023, bringing with him a decade of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his career, AJ has worn many hats - from bid coordinator and estimator for various higher education, federal, and retail projects, to then managing an HVAC contracting company. He believes there is a value found in the relationship built across each project and holds those relationships in high regard.
Outside of work, AJ enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter, leads a single adults ministry at Greater Waco Baptist Church, and can often be found lifting weights in the gym.
Daniel Umber
Construction Project Manager
Daniel joined Baylor University in 2022 and has over 22 years of facilities experience and oversees project process and internal projects. Daniel’s experiences and background compose of over 13 years in K-12, capital project management, manufacturing, and higher education.
daniel_umber@baylor.edu
(254) 710-4328