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.
A team of Construction Science and Architecture students from the Gibbs College of Architecture made their mark on the national stage this week, earning third place out of 37 universities competing at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, held during the International Builders' Show in Orlando, February 16-18, 2026.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP to its prestigious College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor—for his exceptional work and sustained contributions to architecture and society. Fellowship recognizes architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant impact at a national level. Members elevated to this distinction carry the FAIA designation after their name.
Students from the Spring 2026 Graduate 4 Architecture Design Studio, led by Professor Amy Leveno, exhibited their work at the School of Visual Arts. The exhibition, titled Reimagining the OU School of Visual Arts, featured drawings, models, and animations developed throughout the semester's studio project. The show was hosted in The Spotlight, a creative gallery space located on the first floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, and ran from January 20–30, 2026.
