The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma has appointed Dr. Angela Person, as the inaugural Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement, effective July 1, 2024.
The appointment was announced by Hans Butzer, Dean of Gibbs College. “Dr. Person’s appointment to this newly-funded associate dean position is further proof of our commitment to Gibbs College faculty and our strategic plan. In this new role, she will help us better leverage key resources, such as those from the offices of the VPRP, Marketing and Communications, Provost, to help advance and promote faculty research and the discovery of new knowledge,” Butzer said.
Person, an associate professor of Architecture, is a cultural geographer and educator whose work explores the intersections of design, community identities, and sustainability. Her award-winning work has been generously supported by the Smithsonian Institution, National Building Museum, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Graham Foundation, and recognized by the Journal of Architectural Education, Society of Architectural Historians, College Art Association, and Center for Architecture.
Person has also been involved with campus service through her roles as a faculty steering committee member for the Center for Faculty Excellence, a faculty advisory board member for the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, a committee member for the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Women’s Issues, and an advisory board member for the Arts and Humanities Forum.
In her new role, Person will serve as the chief liaison to various university offices, facilitate scholarship and creative activity among college faculty members and students, oversee the development and implementation of the college’s strategic plan, and support efforts related to fundraising and donor engagement.
“I’m honored to be able to serve Gibbs College and the OU research enterprise in this new role. It’s an exciting time to be part of the OU community, and I look forward to supporting our continued excellence in research, community engagement, and creative activities,” Person said.
Dr. Suchismita (Suchi) Bhattacharjee, Associate Dean for Academics and College Administration at Gibbs College, praised Person as well. “Dr. Person’s exceptional communication and collaboration skills, coupled with her innovative ideas and dedication to fostering partnerships and supporting the academic community ensure a bright future for Gibbs College,” Bhattacharjee said.
Dr. Ann West, Associate Vice President of Research Development at the University of Oklahoma, also commended Person’s appointment. “Dr. Angela Person’s qualifications for this position were outstanding. She will bring her vast experience, deep knowledge of the Gibbs College of Architecture research and creative activities, and demonstrable engagement skills to help foster new heights of achievement within the college and with external collaborative partners,” West said.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Angela Person on her new role.
Petya Stefanoff, Chair of the Educational Committee with the American Planning Association, Oklahoma Chapter (APA-OK) and Gibbs College PhD candidate, has developed a new training program for local government officials. The program, focused on land use, zoning principles, and land development, recently certified its first graduates with Certified Citizen Planner status.
Gibbs Construction Science and Architecture students recently traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to compete in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 8 Student Competition. The team partnered with Czech Technical University and secured third place in the Design-Build category.
Gibbs College is pleased to present the exhibition Vollendorf in Oklahoma: The Architecture of Dean Bryant Vollendorf during the Spring 2026 semester. It will be on display in Gould Hall, on the OU-Norman Campus, from February 16, 2026 - March 13, 2026.
