Dr. John Bettersworth [back row, left], Dr. William Giles [first in front row, left], and other university administrators at the founding of the CoA

The CoA building was originally a livestock-judging pavilion

Later, it was converted into a motor-pool

Ground was broken on renovations and additions in 1981

William McMinn, founding dean of the School, stands with a model of the upgraded facility

James F. Barker [left, pictured with Professor Michael Fazio] served as the second dean and created the Small Town Center

John McRae, the School's third dean, brought the CoA to maturity during his 14-year tenure

Current Dean, James West, began his tenure in January 2002 and leads the CoA into the 21st century

The College of Architecture, established by the Board of Trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learning in 1973, is the only professional architectural program in the state. After state architects urged that the three senior universities submit proposals, the IHL Board designated that the new school be located at Mississippi State University. At the suggestion of the Mississippi Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the University invited an advisory team appointed by the National AIA to visit the University. This important action helped the University to understand the unique requirements of a professional program in architecture. It was largely due to the committee's report that University created the school as an autonomous academic unit.

When the initial class entered the University in 1973, counseling was provided by the College of Engineering. William G. McMinn, FAIA was named Dean of the College of Architecture, and he assembled a faculty.

Initial studio space in a renovated dormitory was replaced in 1977 by the award-winning conversion of a building originally designed as a livestock-judging pavilion and later used as a motor-pool. In 1981, legislative approval of $4.9 million for construction and furnishings resulted in an award-winning addition to this structure. Dedication of the new facility took place during May, 1983 with national Presidents of AIA, ACSA, NCARB, ASC/AIA and NAAB participating. This event culminated ten years of growth for the new school from idea to full development and national recognition.

From original participation on the advisory council, state architects have continued to be extremely supportive of and intimately involved with the Collegel's programs. Their participation in juries, reviews, and thesis preparation has been beneficial to faculty and students. The College has consistently assembled a faculty of high quality. Visiting lecturers, field trips, and co-op and foreign exchange programs have been considered fundamental to the College's mission and absolutely necessary in its isolated location.

Following development of the undergraduate program and an initial five-year accreditation, the College expanded its activities through the establishment of the Center for Small Town Research. An annual "Chautauqua" has focused national attention on problems and opportunities for small-town design. In 1996, the College established the Jackson Community Design Center, based in the former Elks Club Buiding in Jackson that houses the fifth-year program. The College has taken a national leadership position in integrating the computer into the design studios, and this initiative continues to mature. In 1995, the School established a Master of Science in Architecture Degree with a Specialization in Applied Computer Graphics/ Visualization. The College has also established an advanced research and teaching laboratory for high-performance computing. It serves both the undergraduate and graduate programs and research activities using digital media.

In 2003, the School of Architecture became the College of Architecture. The College occupied its newly-renovated facilities at 509 Capitol Street in downtown Jackson, which will house the Fifth-year program and the Jackson Community Design Center. The College also received its largest ever gift: a $2.5 million endowment of the Small Town Center by Fred Carl of the Viking Range Corporation.