California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo has announced that Christine Theodoropoulos, Dean of the institute’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design, is to retire. Upon joining Cal Poly in 2012, Theodoropoulos became the first woman to serve as dean of the college, and after more than a decade in the position, will become the second-longest-serving dean in the college’s 75-year history.

“It has been an honor and privilege to work with so many amazing members of the Cal Poly community over the past decade supporting our students and helping to shape the built environment of California and beyond,” Theodoropoulos said while announcing the news. “I am looking forward to continuing collaborative efforts serving communities, both locally and globally.”

Among Theodoropoulos’ achievements during her time as dean include developing an academic masterplan and diversity strategic plan for the college, including the establishment of the college’s first DEI Committee. Theodoropoulos also delivered increased support for students in financial need, promoted increased access to career paths, and established the college’s Teacher-and-Student-Scholar Grant Program.

In addition to her role as dean, Theodoropoulos served as chancellor of the ACSA College of Distinguished Professors, as well as sitting on the boards of the ACSA, NAAB, and AIA Oregon.

“Dean Theodoropoulos’ interdisciplinary background and her interest in professional education that integrates architectural and structural design drew her to the CAED, where she found exciting opportunities emerging from the college’s tradition of symbiotic connections between programs in planning, design, engineering, and construction,” Cal Poly provost Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore noted on the news of Theodoropoulos’ retirement. “Her work has elevated Cal Poly’s standing as a top-ranked school that prepares graduates to shape the built environment.”

With Theodoropoulos moving on, the institute will conduct a nationwide search for the college’s next dean throughout the coming year.

News of Theodoropoulos’ retirement comes after students from Cal Poly were recently named among the winners of the ACSA/AISC Steel Design Student Competition for 2022. This year has also seen the institute unveil a new computer program powered by artificial intelligence that can determine the damage caused to buildings by wildfires.