Biography

Julie L. Brockman, PhD, is a retired Associate Professor and Fulbright Scholar from the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations at Michigan State University. As a faculty member of the labor education program, Julie taught, conducted research and consulted for unions and unionized organizations in the private and public sectors. As a Fulbright Scholar, she traveled throughout Vietnam, teaching and conducting research on wildcat strikes and labor relations in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector. She continues to teach, conduct research and consult for building trades unions.  For the construction industry, in particular, Julie’s past and current projects/activities consist of the following: 

• Project Manager for a Department of Labor Contract for North America’s Building Trades Unions on “Expanding and Diversifying Registered Apprenticeship”
• Executive Director of the Building and Construction Trades Academy (MSU/BCTD Partnership)
• Executive Director of the Institute for Construction Economic Research (ICERES)
• Funded research on “The Cost of Interpersonal Conflict in Construction”
• Funded research on “Process Improvement in Wind Farm Construction”
• Funded research on “Employee Engagement in Construction”
• Instructor for the Building Trades Academy
• Instructor for IBEW/NECA National Training Institute
• Instructor for the IUPAT Women’s Leadership Program
• Lead developer in the creation of a blended learning course for Electrical Apprentice/Journeyman Leadership Academy
• Instructor for leadership skills development for the Lansing Electrical JATC

Prior to joining the faculty at Michigan State University, Julie spent 14 years in labor relations positions with Nestle Chocolate and Confections Company and TRW, Inc.  Julie received her BA in Psychology from The Ohio State University, an MA in Organizational Communication from The Ohio State University, an MA in Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Michigan State University.