Wright leads state architect group

The associate dean of the School of Architecture is serving as president of the state chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Rodner Wright assumed his duties in January and will lead the 200 Mississippi AIA members for one year. He is the group's first minority president and one of two African-American members of the state chapter.

"My plans for the year center around developing continuing education programs for the members and establishing a stronger relationship between the very young members and our distinguished members," Wright said.

The sluggish economy of the past few years caused some Mississippi architects to seek work in other states, but Wright said he hopes they may soon return.

"Downturns in the economy sometimes force people to work elsewhere," he said. "Currently, there appears to be a lot of activity in the profession and maybe we'll be able to attract folks back here."

As an AIA member, Wright has served as design awards chair of the five-state region for two years and of the state chapter for three years. He also served as director and second vice president for the state.

Wright, a Mississippi State faculty member for nine years, received his undergraduate degree in design with a focus on interior design from the University of Cincinnati and his master's in architecture from Harvard University.