Mississippi State University and Mississippi Lumber Manufacturing Association Partner to Advance Mass Timber Construction

On Friday, Mississippi State University (MSU) and the state’s leading lumber organization, the Mississippi Lumber Manufacturing Association (MLMA), announced the establishment of the Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association Endowed Professorship in Innovative Wood Construction and Design at MSU. The new partnership between MSU and MLMA positions the university as a leader in forest products innovation.

The endowment—housed in the College of Forest Resources’ Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, with a joint appointment in the College of Architecture, Art, and Design’s School of Architecture—aims to drive innovation in mass timber manufacturing, construction, and design, with a research emphasis on sustainable wood construction, strength, and durability. Applications for the endowed professorship position will open this fall with an expected starting date of August 2025.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Trey Hankins, MLMA’s vice president and chief financial officer of Hankins Lumber, a Mississippi-based lumber manufacturer, said:

“There are lots of exciting construction technologies using wood that have been developed in recent years, but it’s not guaranteed tomorrow’s architects and structural engineers will get the opportunity to learn about them while in college. Since forestry is such an important part of Mississippi’s economy, MLMA felt it was worth the investment to ensure our state’s students become familiar with innovative wood technologies. That way, Mississippi’s landowners, loggers, and sawmill workers can all benefit from the economic growth these innovations will bring.”

Wes Burger, the Dean of the College of Forest Resources and Director of MSU’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center, said the endowment further positions MSU as an innovator in sustainable building products and design:

“MSU’s and MLMA’s commitment to advancing education, research and outreach in mass timber is essential for the growth of sustainable construction in our region. This partnership empowers MSU to equip future professionals in wood science, architectural design and construction science with the knowledge and skills needed to drive economic development and environmental stewardship throughout Mississippi and beyond.”