Mississippi State’s Master of Fine Arts in Historic Preservation program is celebrating the first graduating class to earn their degree. Launched in fall 2021, the program—one of the few degrees of its kind in the United States—prepares graduates with the skills necessary to educate diverse populations and promote historic preservation while employed with non-profit organizations, government agencies, cities, museums, private-sector firms and in academia.
Six students completed the rigorous curriculum—which focuses on historic preservation combined with preservation field studies—earning their master’s degrees during a commencement ceremony held May 16 in Starkville.
“We are so excited to celebrate these first graduates,” said Professor Beth Miller, who serves as director of the graduate program and head of the Interior Design Department. “This cohort took a leap of faith with me and enrolled in a brand-new master’s program. Their enthusiasm was contagious and carried over into the classroom, and they were eager for knowledge and all things preservation.”
“This group has already secured employment in higher education, state preservation entities and prestigious design firms,” Miller said. “They love the state of Mississippi and want to make an impact in helping to preserve historic structures and communities to spur economic growth, and I’m excited to watch it unfold.”
Fall 2025 applications for the MFA in Historic Preservation are currently open, with enrollment expected to grow as the program continues to develop. Learn more at www.caad.msstate.edu/mfa.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.
Among those earning their degrees were:
- Rachel Bozeman
- Kara Lucas
- Charlyn King
- Tommy King
- Cyndi Parker
- Halley Roy
Melissa Balcer was also the first student to earn a graduate certificate in historic preservation.