From Classroom to Construction: Kayla Schaugaard Builds Her Career with Confidence
Published: November 21, 2025 | Author: Gabrielle Costello | Read Time: 2 minutes
Cedar City, UTAH –
Since graduating from Southern Utah University, Kayla Schaugaard has wasted no time building her future. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, she’s now working full-time as a Project Engineer for Layton Construction, helping lead the Iron County Jail project right in Cedar City.
“It’s been an incredible experience,” said Kayla. “It feels a bit like drinking from a fire hose with how much I’m learning and how quickly everything is moving. Just when I start to feel comfortable with something, my team gives me a new challenge that helps me keep improving.”
In just five months, Kayla has grown tremendously in her role, crediting much of her progress to the supportive and driven team around her.
“We work really well together, get a lot done, and have fun doing it. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by people who challenge me and genuinely want to see me grow,” she said.
Beyond her full-time work with Layton, Schaugaard has also found her way back to SUU — this time, on the other side of the classroom. As an adjunct instructor for a civil design class, she’s helping students prepare for their own careers in construction management.
“I was nervous to say yes at first since I’d be teaching students my own age and didn’t feel fully qualified,” she shared. “But I’m so glad I had confidence in myself and took the opportunity. It’s been amazing to be the one helping students learn and grow.”
Kayla credits SUU’s Construction Management program for laying the foundation for her success. Through hands-on learning, job site experience, and early internship opportunities, she was able to discover her passion for the field and gain the skills she uses every day.
“I really do miss attending SUU,” she said. “It was such a special time in my life, but I’m so grateful to still be in Cedar City where I can stay connected and give back to the program that helped me get to where I am today.”
Kayla encourages current students to soak up every moment, even when it feels like the assignments and tests will never end.
“You’ll look back and miss this time in your life,” she said. “Get involved in clubs, say yes to opportunities — even the ones that seem intimidating — and take advantage of everything SUU has to offer. Those are the moments that help you grow, and you’ll never regret taking them.”
Tags: Student College of STEM Alumni T-Bird Stories Prospective Students Engineering
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu