David Boeck, Associate Professor of Architecture, just received the University of Oklahoma’s General Education Teaching Award. He was honored at the Faculty Awards Luncheon on April 14th for the award.
Professor Boeck has been teaching in the Gibbs College of Architecture since 2007. He has regularly taught sections of Architecture for Non-Majors (ARCH 3013) as well as Creativity Through Sketching (ARCH 4513) year-round. Both courses are often primarily made up of students from outside of both the Division of Architecture as well as Gibbs College.
Dr. Stephanie Pilat, Director of the Division of Architecture, writes “Professor Boeck has developed a reputation for his enthusiasm and the encouraging atmosphere he creates in the classroom. Though most of the students who enroll in these courses have little to no knowledge of architecture or design, Professor Boeck seeks to develop a love of design and confidence in each and every student. Over the years, Professor Boeck has taught hundreds and hundreds of students in these courses making him a well-known figure on campus and throughout Norman.”
Professor Boeck has become known for creating an inclusive classroom that caters to all skill levels. Students who have no experience with architecture or sketching are still able to enjoy and excel in his course. Lauren Kennedy, Class of 2022 student, wrote in support of Professor Boeck, “He welcomed all levels of experience, and adjusted his sketching techniques so that all skill levels could comprehend and grow. His hands-on teaching creates an intimate setting where no one is afraid to seek help or become inspired. Professor Boeck taught us that creativity is a cultivativable skill, and was determined to show us this through collaborative projects and individual assessments.”
Professor Boeck’s courses show students the importance of the built environment as well as inspire them to cultivate their creative skills, no matter their major. Gibbs College Dean Hans Butzer writes, “He connects students from across OU with the knowledge and an awareness of how their built environments affect one’s health and sense of identity. Prof. Boeck also captures their unique roles as agents in shaping their communities, as well as how to creatively solve problems and communicate using sketching as a tool.”
Congratulations to Professor Boeck on his well-deserved recognition!
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.
