Contact: Bill Wagnon
The Mississippi Association of Realtors is continuing its support for a Mississippi State University academic program to train future real estate professionals.
A gift of $18,000 recently was made by the 4,300-member organization to the Robert W. Warren Chair of Real Estate in the College of Business and Industry.
The Warren fund was established in 1978 by a consortium that included MAR, Mississippi Home Builders Association, Mississippi Savings and Loan League, and private individuals. It supports an educator who provides public service through continuing education and research to state mortgage lenders, real estate agents, and real estate appraisers.
The fund is named for the retired Jackson real estate executive considered to be one of the state's leading authorities on real estate finance and mortgage markets. Warren also has been instrumental in securing funding for the program.
MSU offers a bachelor's degree in real estate and mortgage appraisal financing. Graduates are prepared for employment in real estate brokerage appraisal, bank mortgage loan divisions and mortgage banking firms, as well as self employment in the real estate industry.
"Obviously we have great interest in this program," said R. Scott Brunner, the association's executive vice president. He said the Brandon-based professional organization has supported the fund for several years, with annual contributions equal to $10 per student completing its Mississippi Realtor Institute.
"Our organization helped create the endowment and we continue to be involved in its growth," Brunner said. "MAR and the College of Business and Industry enjoy a wonderful relationship and we have been the beneficiary of great support and assistance from the program."
Donald R. Epley, the first Warren Chair holder who left the university last year, was instrumental in creating the institute's curriculum.