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.
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.
