The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Architecture and Planning (SARUP) has announced Mo Zell as its Interim Dean. 

Zell has been an impactful fixture at SARUP, starting her career at the school as an assistant professor in 2008. Since then, she has taught several foundational design studios, acted as Associate Dean from 2012–18, and in 2018 was SARUP's first woman to be a Department Chair. 

Before working at SARUP, Zell taught at Yale University, South Carolina School of Arts and Humanities, Clemson University, North Carolina State University, and Northeastern University. Her extensive background as an educator and academic leader is paired with her experience as a licensed architect. In addition, she runs the award-winning design and research practice bauenstudio with her partner Marc Roehrle.

"The School of Architecture and Urban Planning will continue to thrive under the leadership of Interim Dean Mo Zell," the school's Interim Provost Scott Gronert shared. "In addition to developing and mentoring students into accomplished professionals, Zell and the school's faculty are dedicated to addressing the most pressing issues facing our local community, including affordable housing and workforce development."

During her time at SARUP, Zell has played pivotal roles in spearheading the school's externship program and launching SARUP's Design + Construction Institute. She is also responsible for founding the school's Mobile Design Box pop-up gallery, SUPERJury, and leading the professional organization Women In Design Milwaukee. 

"As I transition to the role of Interim Dean, I'm most excited to continue the crucial work of serving as a connector for the School of Architecture and Urban Planning," Zell commented on her appointment. "Our existing collaborations with local and national firms, externship sites, and the Milwaukee community are some of our strongest assets."

In addition to her contributions to academia and professional practice, she is an accomplished author and writer, contributing to many published works. In 2008, Zell published her book, The Architectural Drawing Course, a powerful and popular resource providing tools and techniques for architectural drawings to students and design professionals. The first edition of her book sold over 65,000 copies worldwide. The second edition of the book was published in 2017. 

In 2021, Zell was elected the Second Vice President of the ACSA and will serve as its president from 2023–24. She was recognized as a Woman of Influence in the mentor category of the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2021. 

Her appointment as Interim Dean came into effect on July 1, 2022. Zell received her B.S. in Architecture from the University of Virginia and her M.Arch from Yale University. 

Along with Zell's new role, SARUP's academic leadership welcomes the appointments of Karl Wallick as Associate Dean and Bob Schneider as Chair of the Department of Urban Planning.