Monday, October 20, 2025
By: Kyle Niblett
Former M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management Director Abdol Chini, Ph.D., and legendary Rinker alumni Timothy Moore (BBC ’83) were inducted into the University of Florida Rinker School Construction Management Hall of Fame in a historical ceremony this past Saturday at Rinker Hall. The Hall of Fame honors those who have truly distinguished themselves in the construction profession.
“Dr. Chini and Mr. Moore embody the very best of the Rinker legacy,” Rinker Director Robert F. Cox, Ph.D. said. “Through leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, they have elevated our school, our profession, and countless students whose lives and careers were shaped by their influence.”
After serving as a tenured associate professor at the Rinker School from 1994 to 2003, Chini was promoted to full professor and became director of Rinker in March 2003. For the next eight years, the Rinker School raised its reputation globally under his leadership, significantly increasing the size, diversity, and quality of its graduate program. Chini also helped establish new student exchange programs with Hong Kong and Singapore and increased students’ awareness of the environment through participation in events such as the Solar Decathlon Europe competition.
Rinker also saw several big-picture changes under Chini’s watch, such as completing fundraising for the construction and furnishing of Rinker Hall, which was the first LEED Gold-certified building on UF’s campus and the State of Florida. He also oversaw the construction of the Charles R. Perry Construction Yard, increased the volume of Rinker’s endowment funds from $11.7 million in 2003 to $25.0 million in 2011 and formed the eight inaugural BCN regional clubs in Florida and Georgia.
“Being inducted into the prestigious Rinker School Construction Management Hall of Fame is a huge honor for me,” said Chini, who retired in 2023 and is professor emeritus. “I am humbled and grateful for this recognition and want to thank the Hall of Fame members for selecting me for this incredible award. Receiving this award is not only a personal honor but also a reflection of the collective effort and commitment of the Rinker School faculty, staff, students, and alumni.”
Moore was inducted as a result of a legendary career at Stiles Construction, where he has served as president since 1994. Moore has led the company’s spectacular growth, overseeing the successful completion of more than 450 projects totaling over $4 billion and encompassing more than 45 million square feet.
A 1983 honors graduate of Rinker, Moore began his career with Stiles immediately after graduation. He has remained an active supporter of Stiles’ continued engagement with UF that has included sponsoring numerous interns and collaborating with the late Dr. Charles Kibert on the early development of LEED initiatives. He has also participated in career fairs, sponsored newsletters, hosted site visits for students and served as a guest speaker at Rinker.
A certified general contractor, Moore is past president of both the local and state chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). He also serves on the Board of Directors of ABC, the Board of Directors of Covenant House Florida, the Board of Directors of Hope Pregnancy Center, and sits on the Building Committee for Sheridan House Family Ministries. In addition, he holds one of the longest-standing memberships in the Construction Association of South Florida.
“I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the University of Florida—a truly transformative and unforgettable chapter in my life,” Moore said. “My time at UF not only shaped my career but also gifted me with lifelong friendships that have been invaluable throughout my 42 years in the construction industry. Never in my wildest dreams, as a student or since, did I imagine being inducted into the Rinker School Construction Management Hall of Fame. It is an honor that fills me with both pride and deep appreciation. To be recognized among such an outstanding group of professionals—at a university as remarkable as UF—is truly humbling. Thank you for this incredible honor and Go Gators!”
