The Mississippi Association of Realtors is continuing its support for a Mississippi State academic program to train future real estate professionals.

The 4,300-member organization made an $18,000 gift to the Robert W. Warren Chair of Real Estate in the College of Business and Industry.

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.

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.