Robert L. Wesley, a pioneering architect and beloved mentor, has died at age 88.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Wesley joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 1964 and became the firm's first Black partner in 1984. Throughout his career, he contributed to significant architectural projects while maintaining a strong commitment to civic engagement and professional mentorship.
His commitment to nurturing emerging talent inspired the SOM Foundation to establish the Robert L. Wesley Award in 2020, which provides support to BIPOC students pursuing careers in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, urban design, and engineering. To date, twenty-five students have received the award.
Robert L. Wesley.
Iker Gil, Executive Director of the SOM Foundation, noted Wesley's continued involvement with the award program: "Working alongside Bob since 2020 has been a privilege. He was an inspiration to all of us at the SOM Foundation as well as to the mentors and students who have received the Robert L. Wesley Award so far. Bob was directly involved in reviewing applications, an active participant in mentorship sessions, and dedicated to ensuring we did everything we could to support students."
Wesley's legacy in architecture and design education will continue through the students and professionals he mentored throughout his career. Learn more about Robert L. Wesley.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture announces John Harris as Associate Dean for Research ad interim, effective Aug. 25, 2026, until the permanent position is filled.
Gibbs College is pleased to announce the 2026 Gibbs College Faculty & Staff Awards recipients. These individuals were recognized by Dean Butzer during the Gibbs College Back to School Meeting and will be honored during the Celebration Banquet in October. They were nominated by their colleagues via an open nomination process.
Telesis, the Gibbs College of Architecture’s student journal, has been awarded a grant from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts to support its next two issues, “Pause” (Volume IX) and “React” (Volume X).
