91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ dean describes how tenacity, love of a challenge helps CAAD students persevere through pandemic obstacles
Contact: Sasha Steinberg
STARKVILLE, Miss.βWhen the global pandemic first impacted 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ nearly a year ago, many classes transitioned to online teaching methods relatively quickly, but Building Construction Science students working on a two-semester project to construct modular buildings βhit a wall.β
BCS students began the early design and construction process on the buildings during their first year of study in the program in fall 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from completing the build as planned during the spring 2020 semester.
This past fall, in their second year of study and enrolled in a collaborative studio course, this same group of studentsβnow combined with architecture studentsβagain took on the project, adding the exterior finishes for the two buildings they had begun working on a year earlier and seeing construction completed.
91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ architecture alumnus LeeΒ CarsonΒ leads the studio as an assistant clinical professor.
βThe process of designing and constructing the modular buildings gives the students an engaging and invaluable learning experience to help prepare them for their future education and careers in the construction industry,β Carson said. βWe are thankful we have been able to complete these structures during this difficult time.β
Ciara Presley of Batesville is among the students who has worked on the modular buildings during the pandemic. She said she appreciated 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐβs efforts in maintaining a safe, productive learning environment for students under challenging circumstances.
βOur professors have been doing a good job enforcing social distancing and mask protocols, so I have felt safe in class and on the work site. Working on this project during the pandemic has given me an idea of what itβs like working through challenges or obstacles in the [construction] field. I think we are poised for the future because we learned how to problem solve and make the most of the situation.β
Angi Bourgeois is dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design, home to the universityβs Building Construction Science program, along with the Department of Art, Interior Design program and the School of Architecture. A professor of art, she said all of these programs instill a sense of resilience in students throughout their studio training, and the pandemic has enhanced that learning experience.
βIt is amazing to see, in a year full of obstacles, how our students, alongside our faculty, have met and overcome these challenges over and over again,β Bourgeois said. βI truly believe that these skills of persistence and perseverance through adversity will continue to shape our students and prepare them for lifelong success.β
Bourgeois said a recent 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ survey of nearly 100 CAAD alumni is providing positive feedback about how these Bulldogs value their degrees.
βNothing compares to the strength of our studentsβ love of this place. 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ doesnβt just draw hardworking students; it helps create them,β she said. βThe dedication and drive of our faculty, in concert with so many other aspects of this university, build such a strong sense of community that defines the college experience for our students. β
One alum said in a survey response, βI graduated with designers that I hold as close friends, had professors that wanted us to succeed and met many other previous alumni that championed us once we graduated.β
Other alumni pointed out a focus on foundations, real world preparation, high standards for work quality, and relationships with faculty and peers among reasons they value their CAAD degree.
Leslie Murphy, owner and creative director of Murphy Maude Interiors in Memphis, Tennessee, recently shared information with Bourgeois about job and internship successes with her company. Murphy employs three 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ graduates and complimented the students on their training and high technical proficiency. She told Bourgeois that her two most recent hires are βalready making a meaningful differenceβ and βin less than a yearβs time have helped expand our business significantly.β
Bourgeois said she enjoyed another recent discussion with 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ art/graphic design alumna Sarah Foley of New York City who serves as brand manager for Johnson & Johnson. Foley supervised an 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ student who recently completed a remote internship. Bourgeois said graduates like Foley are discussing ways for students to continue with internships throughout the pandemic.
βAs we discussed strengths of 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐβs art department, Sarah told me she appreciated how 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ art students were always up for a challenge and were seeking to be pushed further and further,β Bourgeois said. βItβs what I hear repeatedly. I think itβs what sets us apart from our peers in many ways.β
Learn more about 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐβs College of Architecture, Art and Design at .
91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ is Mississippiβs leading university, available online at .