UNM architecture student Robert Williams was elected to the board of directors for the American Institute of Architecture Students Jan. 2.
Williams, a third-year architecture student who serves as president of the UNM chapter, will represent all of the Western colleges in the United States to the national board on which five other students from other regions sit. The American Institute of Architecture Students is the sole student voice in The American Institute for Architects, the National Architectural Accrediting board, and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.
"I am excited because I get to travel and see other schools and their programs," Williams said.
He added that he hopes to learn form other school's programs to bring that knowledge back to UNM.
A student from San Diego ran against Williams, but after two speeches and a question and answer session, the judges chose Williams.
"I was really nervous, but once I knew I was elected I was relieved and excited," Williams said.
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Williams said does not want to discourage students not in the architecture program from joining the institute.
"I got involved because I feel that the quality of education you get is dependent on the amount that you put into it," he said. "You have got decide what to do and work towards that."
UNM's chapter of American Institute of Architecture Students is currently in the plans for working with Habitat for Humanity. Part of its mission is to take a proactive approach in helping the local community. Members also have a chance to have their work published in Crit, the only national journal of architecture students and an opportunity to attend the institute's annual convention.
