OU Urban Design Studio alumnus Paulina Baeza was recently honored with the Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPros) Boomtown “Urban Advocate Award,” which recognizes supporters of urban revitalization to enhance Tulsa’s quality of life and attract young professionals.
A statement describing Baeza’s contributions in the Tulsa World said, “Paulina Baeza often shies away from the spotlight, but her work to make Tulsa a more connected, walkable and bikeable city speaks for itself. As a transportation planner at INCOG, Paulina works to create solutions for the transportation challenges our city faces today and in the future. Paulina is perhaps best known for her community activism and strong support of east Tulsa. Through her graduate school research, Paulina created an area plan for the 21st and Garnett corridor and works to ensure the multicultural diversity of the area is celebrated.”
The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
Ronald Frantz Jr., emeritus professor, has been named a 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient, the highest honor presented by Main Street America. The award was announced at the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, recognizing leaders who advance preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
