Date
The University of Oklahoma is pleased to host “Understanding Inequity, Advancing Equity,” a free, two-day, virtual symposium from 3:30 – 6 p.m. CST Dec. 7 and 8. Registration is required.
Gibbs College faculty participating include Vanessa Morrison (Institute for Quality Communities), Deborah Richards (Architecture), Aujean Lee (Regional and City Planning), and Laura Harjo (Regional and City Planning Affiliate Faculty). OU faculty presenters will be joined by two keynote presenters, Dr. Iheoma Iruka, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Dr. Shari Watkins, American University.
This symposium is co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Arts and Humanities Forum, and the Early Childhood Education Institute.
“Ensuring Youth Wellbeing and Excellence Through a Racial Equity Lens” by Iheoma U. Iruka, Research Professor, Department of Public Policy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Race, ethnicity, language, ability, and zip code should not determine a youth’s trajectory, opportunity, and eventual life success. Addressing the opportunity gaps and the education debt that leads to disparities through a racial equity and intersectionality lens must go beyond gap-gazing at disparities and inequities and blaming youth and families. A sole focus on disparities without consideration of the root causes will continue to ensure the permanency of inequities and disparities. This keynote will delve into how researchers in collaboration with practitioners and policymakers can begin incorporating a racial equity and intersectionality lens to dismantle systemic barriers to opportunities, wellbeing, and excellence.
Moderated by Dr. Laura Harjo, associate professor of Native American Studies.
“Creating Equitable STEM Environments” by Shari Watkins, Research Fellow, Center for Teaching, Research and Learning, American University, Washington, DC
Despite calls to broaden participation and increase diversity in STEM, many groups such as African Americans remain underrepresented in STEM disciplines and careers. Employing critical perspectives, structures, policies, and pedagogy can lead to the development of supportive STEM communities. This keynote will consider the ways scholars through their teaching and research can create equitable STEM environments.
Moderated by Dr. Kirsten Edwards, associate professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
