Mississippi State University Scholar Honored for Community Engagement by the PCI Foundation

Alexis Gregory, an associate professor in the School of Architecture at Mississippi State University, is the recipient of the 2023 Community Engagement Award from the Chicago-based Precast Concrete Industry Foundation. Since 2001, the PCI Foundation has focused on providing curriculum development grants to schools of architecture, engineering, and construction management.

Professor Gregory’s nomination focused on her Spring 2022 work with Collaborative Studio – the PCI Foundation Studio – where she developed a project for students to work with Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity to design affordable housing with precast concrete. The organization is currently using ideas developed by the students during the studio, including exploring how precast concrete can enhance the safety and stability of Habitat houses in the event of a hurricane.

“Engaging community partners as part of my teaching is something I did before receiving the PCI Foundation Studio Grant and is something I plan to continue to do in my future teaching and research,” said Gregory.

Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Amanda Henry said in her letter of support, “Professor Gregory understands the importance of making students aware of what is going on in the community where they attend college and instilling a heart for service that the students will carry with them wherever they end up after graduation. At Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity, we agree that this is an essential component of a complete education.”

Gregory is a registered architect and earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture at Virginia Tech. She holds a master’s degree in architecture with a concentration in women’s studies and history from Clemson University in South Carolina.