Arnold “Arn” Glenn Henderson, FAIA, passed away on June 27, 2019.
Arn was Professor Emeritus of the University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. A proponent and advocate of historical preservation throughout our country and, in particular, his home state of Oklahoma, Arn was also a poet, author and lifelong student of other cultures. He was an advocate of Bruce Goff’s teaching and the American School legacy, and he helped ensure the impact of the Bruce Goff Chair of Creative Architecture in its early years.
Arn designed and built his home of 42 years, which was recognized by the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for its unique design in 1976. In 1996, he was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows, the AIA’s highest membership honor, for his exceptional work and contribution to the industry and his community. Less than 5% of AIA members hold this distinction.
Arn is remembered and celebrated by the Gibbs College of Architecture for his nearly 70-year commitment to the program. He was a friend, a mentor, and an advocate for all whom he taught.
Son of Henry and Pearlee, brother to Lyndal, father of two children and grandfather to two, Arn was preceded in death by his parents, sister, wife, and a son. He is survived by a son and two grandsons.
A project designed by Gibbs College of Architecture faculty member Austin Lightle has been selected for BuildFest 2026, a national art and architecture festival held at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in New York, on the historic grounds of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival.
Two Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture alumni are helping shape recommendations that could influence affordable housing design and construction across Oklahoma.
The University of Oklahoma Libraries recently welcomed Carl Siegel as an Architecture Librarian and Archivist and Assistant Professor. In his role, Siegel supports students, faculty and staff across the Gibbs College of Architecture while also serving as archivist for the American School of Architecture Archives.
