A source from Columbia University has shared with Archinect that Mark Wigley, the Dean of Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, will step down from his position at the end of the academic year. Wigley has been a formidable presence as dean for nearly the past ten years, and his successor will no doubt have some very large shoes to fill.

The announcement was made in an email (excerpted below) from Columbia's president, Lee C. Bollinger:

After nearly a decade of innovative leadership, Dean of Architecture, Planning and Preservation Mark Wigley has shared the news that this will be his final academic year as the School's dean.

Let me just say now that Mark has been an extraordinary dean, a University citizen of the first order, and a friend I, and I know we, cherish. In every context, he has represented the School and the institution in ways that make us all proud to be part of such a vibrant place. And to all of it he has brought his unique humor and made us laugh.

Stay tuned for developments on this front.