In July, the Purdue Polytechnic Institute welcomed Željko Torbica to the position of professor and head of the School of Construction Management Technology. Torbica, whose name is pronounced ZHAYL-ko TOR-bitza, goes by his initial, “Z,” from students and colleagues alike.
Torbica received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Belgrade in Serbia. His postgraduate study in quantity surveying and project management was completed at B. Jupp & Partners in London, England. He received his doctorate from the Rinker School of Construction Management at the University of Florida.
Torbica came to Purdue with more than 30 years of professional experience in engineering, construction, real estate development, leadership and strategic planning. His background also includes academic positions at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Drexel University, Roger Williams University, Florida International University, Minnesota State University and the University of Florida.
He is a fellow of the American Society for Quality and a certified general contractor in the state of Florida. He has completed leadership programs at Columbia University and Harvard University and holds certifications as a project management professional and quality engineer.
Torbica was excited to add Purdue University to his global resume.
“Over the years, I have followed Purdue’s accomplishments and innovation with great interest,” said Torbica. “The unique approach to education in Purdue Polytechnic’s School of Construction Management Technology is spectacular, and we have phenomenal opportunities on the horizon when we move into our new lab facilities as part of the Gateway building project. I couldn’t ask for more!”
