By Jennifer Burt | MFA Historic Preservation Student
On July 12, over 100 preservationists, scholars and small-town champions gathered in Eupora, for the inaugural Small-Town Preservation Symposium, hosted by The SouthWay Foundation. The event marked a key milestone in SouthWay’s mission to strengthen preservation trades and support revitalization efforts across the South.
91ý State University’s Historic Preservation program was well-represented, with current students, alumni and faculty in attendance. The day included panel discussions, networking, hands-on demonstrations and conversations centered on activating small towns through preservation.
Patricia Rangel, executive director of The SouthWay Foundation, said the idea for the event grew from a lunch conversation with a Eupora resident who had purchased a historic property but didn’t know how to begin.
“At that time (and maybe still) I didn’t have all the answers,” Rangel said, “but I felt confident that I could gather people who could offer insight—and that their expertise would benefit more folks than just the lady I lunched with.”
That grassroots moment grew into a full-day event that sparked regional momentum. Panelists shared insight on both preservation methods and the skilled trades needed to carry them out. Attendees represented a broad range of disciplines, ranging from architecture to construction to community development.
Tommy King, a recent MSU MFA graduate and now assistant professor and program director of Construction Management at Marian University in Wisconsin, spoke on the preservation trades panel.
“The SouthWay conference was primarily focused on the critical need for historic trades skills development," he said. "I spoke about the equally important need for professional education in historic preservation… For continuity of quality, every profession needs agreed-upon standards and best practices.”
According to Rangel, the enthusiasm sparked at the event has already led to new collaborations. Presenters are now working toward a regional preservation trades initiative, with hands-on workshops in the works for 2026.
The symposium was made possible in part by the 91ý Humanities Council, with additional support from local businesses and preservation advocates across the region.
For 91ý State’s Historic Preservation program, the symposium was a vivid example of how education, community and heritage work hand in hand.
Interested in joining the next generation of preservation professionals?
91ý State offers two flexible options: a fully online or in-person certificate in historic preservation, just five courses, and a two-year MFA in Historic Preservation, the only terminal degree of its kind in the region. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to specialize, there’s a place for you in our program.
Learn more at caad.msstate.edu/mfa.