Clemson University has announced the appointment of Professor Shima Clarke as the interim associate dean of undergraduate and graduate studies for the university’s newly formed College of Architecture, Art, and Construction (CAAC). Since August, Clarke has served as the acting associate dean of the college, which was itself formed on July 1st.

Clarke describes her top priority in the new role as being to oversee and coordinate all programs and activities in CAAC that support student experience, recruitment, education, retention, graduation, and placement.

Having joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 1998, Clarke achieved full professorship in 2013. Within the college, her research has focused on construction education, integrated project delivery, sustainability, structures, and construction safety.

Prior to serving as acting associate dean, Clarke was the director of construction science and management programs in the Nieri Department of Construction, Development, and Planning, where she led the launch of the new Ph.D. in construction science and management. Previously, she led the research-based Center for the Improvement of Construction Management and Processes (CICMP) and served as associate department chair.

“I am honored and excited to serve in this interim role and thrilled to be working with Interim Dean Petersen, the CAAC leadership team, staff, and faculty as we seek to elevate our undergraduate and graduate students’ experience at Clemson University,” Clarke said about the appointment.

“Dr. Clarke’s leadership ability and institutional knowledge have been invaluable,” CAAC Interim Dean George J. Peterson added. “I’m excited that she will continue to be a part of a leadership team that will take our College to new heights of success.”

Clarke’s appointment is one of several notable appointments within architectural academia in recent months. You can learn more about the biggest stories in architectural education from 2023 by reviewing our end-of-year coverage here.