John Harris has agreed to serve as interim director of the newly established Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design at the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. The appointment was effective July 1, 2023.
The appointment was announced by Gibbs College Dean Hans E. Butzer. “Today is an important day in the history of this college and the new PLAD division,” Butzer said. “John identified years ago that this constellation of programs we now know as PLAD could accelerate enrollment growth and stability, while adding new energy to the teaching and research mission shared by its faculty. He is the ideal person to lead the division at this exciting time.”
Harris, who is an associate professor of Regional and City Planning, is an award-winning scholar in the field of informal urbanization in Sub Saharan Africa. He has published his research in top journals in the field, including World Development, Journal of Planning Education and Research and Gender, Place and Culture. Previously, he served as director of the Gibbs College Division of Regional and City Planning.
The new PLAD Division was created through the administrative consolidation of four separate Gibbs College divisions and programs: Environmental Design, Landscape Architecture, Regional and City Planning and Urban Design. By consolidating these smaller programs into one division, Gibbs College seeks to foster a stronger teaching, research, and service setting; facilitate more collaborations involving faculty and students; and maximize administrative and operational efficiencies.
Harris said, “All of us in the PLAD community are excited about the opportunities to grow the impact we have on Oklahoma, our professions, and the world.” He continued, “I look forward to the things we will be able to do together.”
Please join us in congratulating Harris.
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.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to celebrate a series of recent accomplishments by Dr. Jim Collard, Professor of Practice in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design, whose work continues to shape conversations around Indigenous economic development nationally and internationally.
University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture Dean Hans E. [PA1.1]Butzer returned to one of his most significant works on December 15, joining survivors and past and present board members for the groundbreaking of a $15.8 million expansion of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
