Architectural academia was featured prominently in our 2023 news coverage, particularly in new leadership appointments. Notably, the year highlighted a significant increase in female leadership within academia, with Archinect covering the appointment of 14 women to key roles, such as deans, academic chairs, and program directors.
Explore further insights on Archinect's review of 2023 academic leadership highlights.
In March, we had the opportunity to chat with Cal Poly Pomona's new dean, Mary Anne Alabanza Akers. After spending 14 years at Morgan State University, building its School of Architecture and Urban Planning program, we chatted with Akers to discuss her path to academic leadership, her multidimensional background, and how growing up in the the Phillippines influenced her work and approach to nurturing future designers and planners.
In November, we published an exclusive interview with architect and educator Mariana Ibañez, who was appointed UCLA's AUD Department chair in January 2021. During this special conversation, Ibañez discusses her thoughts on pedagogy, her experiences studying architecture in Buenos Aires, what it means to lead a public institution, and what she hopes to grow during her tenure.
Following Pratt Institute's announcement of Quilian Riano being named the new School of Architecture dean, Archinect's own Paul Petrunia had a special conversation with Riano. They discussed the early days of Archinect, Riano as a frequent editorial contributor, and how his life experiences helped influence his perspectives on "who gets to design and create policies around the built environment."
The appointment of new academic leaders was at an all-time high this year, with Archinect covering a total of 14 dean appointments. During the month of April, four architecture schools from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Kansas State College, Montana State University, and Clemson University announced their new dean appointments. The summer months in 2023 were also a particularly eventful time for architecture schools, with six new deans announced between May and August.
Other important dean news included updates on The Copper Union's Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture Deanship search we reported on in August.
Kicking off the year, Sille Pihlak was appointed the Estonian Academy of Art's youngest dean in school history in January. "For the EKA, Pihlak’s appointment as dean represents an important step in altering the gender balance in Estonia’s architectural academia, a predominantly male environment."
In March, Michael A. Speaks was reappointed as dean of Syracuse University's School of Architecture. Speaks will continue his work and legacy at the school for another five-year term after being with the school since 2013.
Also in March, Peter Exley, former president of the American Institute of Architects, was appointed the new architecture dean at Robert Gordon University's Scott Sutherland Schoo in Aberdeen, Scotland. Exley shared with Archinect: "For me, this is an exciting transition from my practice, and time as a leader in the AIA. The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and the Built Environment is ideally located to address issues of climate crisis and decarbonization — Aberdeen has been an epicenter of the UK’s fossil fuel industry."
During the month of April, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee SARUP announced its newly formed College of the Arts and Architecture, with Mo Zell continuing her role as interim dean during the program's transition. The school shared that "while both schools intend to maintain their strong identities and continue to exist as their own units, Zell's leadership comes at a key moment of growth and restructuring the school."
Dr. Abimbola Asojo is the new dean of Morgan State University's School of Architecture and Planning
HBCU Morgan State University found its new dean after former head Mary Anne Akers moved to Cal Poly Pomona after her 14-year tenure at the school's helm. Dr. Abimbola O. Asojo was appointed the new dean in May, bringing "over 25 years of experience as an educator, architect, writer, and academic leader" with work focusing on "cross-cultural design, architectural lighting design, African architecture, computing and design, global issues, sustainable design, and K-12 spaces."
Quilian Riano named dean of Pratt School of Architecture
Urban designer, academic, and architecture labor advocate Quilian Riano was named dean of Pratt's School of Architecture in May. A long-time Archinect friend and contributor, Riano will bring a fresh perspective to the role, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement through his extensive work in architecture, urbanism, and social justice.
Heather Woofter named new dean of UT Austin's School of Architecture
Long-time academic leader Heather Woofter was appointed UT Austin's new dean in June after her tenure as the director of the College of Architecture and the Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Design at Washington University in St. Louis's Sam Fox School of Design since 2017. Woofter replaced Michelle Addington as UT Austin's dean.
Julia Czerniak chosen as next dean of University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning
In June, the University of Buffalo announced noted architect, landscape architect, and Syracuse University professor Julia Czerniak as its new dean. Officially starting her new position in September 2023, Czerniak UB's provost commented: "Professor Czerniak stood out because of her vision for the school, substantial administrative experience, impressive research and practice record, and commitment to student and faculty success."
Other summer academic news included the appointment of Milton Cury as Cornell University's new senior associate dean within the College of Architecture and Planning in July. Milton is no stranger to leadership positions after holding the position of dean at USC's School of Architecture from 2017 through 2022.
Brett Steele appointed as new USC School of Architecture dean
Big December academic news included the announcement of renowned architect and educator Brett Steele as the new dean for USC's School of Architecture. An influential academic leader, his role as dean will come into effect starting February 1, 2024. Prior to moving to USC, Steele served as UCLA's School of the Arts and Architecture dean since 2017 and held pivotal leadership positions at the Architectural Association, serving as a chief executive and director from 2005.
Alongside the unveiling of new deans, numerous architecture schools showcased changes and appointments in program chairs and directors. These roles, crucial for a school's success and functionality, saw the introduction of 10 new heads for architecture and landscape departments we covered in 2023.
Grace La appointed Harvard GSD’s Chair of Department of Architecture
March welcomed the announcement of architect, educator, and LA DALLMAN principal Grace La as the GSD's new department chair. According to the school, La's appointment makes her the second woman to be named as Chair of the Department of Architecture. "La’s extensive academic background includes serving as the inaugural Chair of the Practice Platform (2014-22) and Director of the GSD’s Master of Architecture degree programs (2014-17)."
Another academic announcement during March focused on The University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School's Landscape Architecture department, which welcomed landscape architect and academic Catherine Seavitt as its new department chair. Seavitt becomes the third woman to lead the department, following Anne Whiston Spirn and professor Sonja Dümpelmann. In addition to Seavitt having her license in landscape architecture, she is also a registered architect.
Chingwen Cheng named new director of Penn State’s Stuckeman School
Chingwen Cheng, an esteemed landscape architect and academic, assumed her role as director of Penn State's Stuckeman School on July 1, 2023. Previously a leader at Arizona State University's Design School, Cheng specializes in climate justice design and nature-based solutions for communities. Her extensive research and publications focus on sustainable urban design and environmental justice. Cheng, a Registered Professional Landscape Architect and LEED-Accredited Professional, holds a Ph.D. in Regional Planning, a Master of Landscape Architecture, and a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
In July, multidisciplinary designer, historian, and researcher Deborah Ascher Barnstone was selected to lead the School of Architecture, Design, and Planning at the University of Sydney. Her appointment reflects the university's commitment to fostering leadership that will contribute to the growth and development of the school.
Dora Epstein Jones, former A+D Museum Director, joins UT Austin School of Architecture faculty
Dora Epstein Jones, former director of the A+D Architecture and Design Museum in Los Angeles, has joined the faculty of the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin. Bringing her extensive experience in architecture and curatorial practice, Epstein Jones is expected to enrich the academic environment with her insights and expertise.
Walter Hood prepares to lead UC Berkeley's landscape department
In August, Walter Hood was appointed to lead the landscape department at UC Berkeley. As a prominent landscape architect and professor, Hood's appointment is anticipated to bring significant expertise and contributions to the department's academic and research endeavors.
Meet Tulane School of Architecture's New Faculty Hires
In addition to academic leadership positions, several schools also announced department-wide new faculty hires. One example is Archinect Partner School Tulane School of Architecture's nine full-time incoming faculty members who will hold permanent positions at the school starting in the 2023/24 school year.
Archinect Partner School Pratt Institute announced in early December their first-ever cluster hire initiative "aimed at recruiting diverse faculty to each of the five degree-granting schools on its Brooklyn, New York campus."
Be sure to follow Archinect's special End of the Year coverage by following the tag 2023 Year In Review to stay up to date.
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