102FALL LEADERSHIP Be STEEL And Know Mike Steelman is made new director of master’s of architecture program for the fall of 2022. AFTER TAKING A MECHANICAL DRAWING CLASS in junior high, Director of Architecture Mike Steelman knew he wanted to pursue architecture as a career. He graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Architecture and worked in Dallas, Texas for a year before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas, to finish his internship. Steelman became a licensed architect in 1983 and founded SCM Architects in 1985. Steelman entered the Harding community through James Cone, who introduced him to University President David Burks. Since then, Steelman has been involved in many projects on Harding’s campus. “Dr. Burks and Mr. Cone were both mentors, and they allowed me to work on some very small projects for Harding beginning in 1988,” Steelman said. “Gradually, the projects became larger, and I have been blessed to work on projects with Harding almost continually since those early days.” Steelman had been part of the Art and Design advisory board for 15 years, and for six years he taught a construction course as an adjunct professor. The course taught students about the architecture profession and gave them real life examples of what being a designer or architect looked like. “Mike has been an important part of this department for a long time,” Chair of Art and Design and associate professor Amy Cox said. “He has helped promote and shape the interior architecture program.” The course has taught students about the architecture profession and given them real-life examples of what being a designer or architect looks like. “Professor Steelman has taught me the architectural systems used in the construction of buildings,” senior interior architecture and design major Haley Burmeister said. “This was extremely valuable to me in showing me the implementation of what he was teaching us and what we will be doing one day.” With his knowledge and experience, Steelman was made the new director of the master’s of architecture program in the fall of 2022. “Some of the goals will be to create a program based on service, character, ethics and diversity, emphasizing technical capability in combination with creativity, critical thinking and design excellence,” Steelman said. WRITTEN BY KAYLEIGH TRITSCHLER
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==