Original BCS advisory board member donates annually to the department
Each year since the early 2000s, Robert Smith has given to the Department of Building Construction Science, a program that he had an important role in helping create.
Smith graduated from MSU in 1981 with a degree in Construction Engineering Technology, which was under the Bagley School of Engineering at the time. After graduation, he went on to work for Binswanger Glass in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In early 2002, Smith was contacted by E.M. “Hoot” Gipson to join the advisory board for the School of Architecture to assist in creating a new construction program at MSU. As a board member, Smith was able to have direct input on the creation of the BCS program, including designing the curriculum to include hands-on studios similar to those in the School of Architecture.
“There always seems to be a disconnect between architects and contractors,” said Smith. “The more they can learn to work together, it would be great for the industry overall in the future.”
The Building Construction Science Program was officially formed in 2006. Already a student at MSU, Smith’s son, Justin Smith, transferred into the BCS program immediately and was in the program's first graduating class.
Shortly after, the BCS Advisory Board was formed. Smith explained the board’s expectations for the program have greatly exceeded what they imagined.
“We hoped to get 50 students in it,” said Smith. “Now, it’s over 250 students. It far surpassed what we hoped it would be.”
He also said the program is producing graduates who are ready for the industry ahead.
"The quality of the students that are coming out of the program are able to go into a construction profession and make a difference immediately. They can hit the ground running because they have gained enough skills through this program.”
Smith's last annual gift of $25,000 was designated to funding more staff and more student field trips.
“That support needed to come from the people who are actually hiring the students,” said Smith. “I’m proud to see what the program has become, and I will continue to support it.”
Thirty-five years later, Smith is still in the glass industry, owning his own company, Glass Inc., in Meridian. Glass Inc is Mississippi’s largest glazing contractor, doing residential and commercial projects all over the southeastern United States.
Smith's advice to students?
“Learn work ethic. If you want your career to accelerate, be the first one at work. Be the guy who jumps in to resolve any problem. At quitting time, still be there working. If you don’t have that, you aren’t gonna go too far.”