Harding instructs kids on building

The Alex Foundation partnered with Harding University’s Mike Steelman, director of Harding’s accelerated Master of Architecture program, and Assistant Professor Nikki Crane-Hasty to present architecture to Conner Junior High School eighth grade students in McGehee. The nearly two-hour presentation was held in the McGehee High School auditorium Feb. 9.

Officials discussed architecture as a career, studying architecture courses in college, and working as an architect with allied parofessionals, including engineers, interior designers and landscape architects.

Steelman and CraneHasty also gave students an overview of subjects, such as computer science and technology that are integrated in the design profession, according to a news release.

Steelman shared with students projects his firm, SCM Architects, has provided architectural services to, including University of Arkansas at Monticello’s Students Success Center. Steelman discussed how features of the 35,500-square-foot center were designed with students’ input, such as having access to services in one building that would be convenient for all students.

Steelman joined the faculty of Harding in January of 2022 to direct the new Architecture Program. He previously taught as an adjunct for the Interior Architecture Program for seven years. He also served on the Interior Architecture Advisory Board for 15 years. Steelman earned a degree in architecture from the University of Arkansas in 1979. Following five years of practice in Dallas and Little Rock, he founded SCM Architects in 1985.

Crane-Hasty received her Master of Architecture degree from Louisiana Tech University in 2017. In 2022, she accepted an assistant professor position at Harding. Crane-Hasty is involved in community engagement, including Habitat for Humanity, where she has served as the inaugural 2023 WomenBuild co-chair, and in leadership roles with professional organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Arkansas Chapter.