University of Cincinnati announces new leader for prestigious art and design college
UC alum Stephanie Pilat named dean of the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
The University of Cincinnati (UC) announced today that Stephanie Pilat, PhD, will serve as the eighth dean of the renowned College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning beginning July 1, 2025, pending approval by the UC Board of Trustees.
Stephanie Pilat, PhD
Pilat, who earned her undergraduate degree in architecture from UC, is an accomplished academic leader and scholar now serving as the Edith Kinney Gaylord Presidential Professor at the University of Oklahoma (OU). From 2016 to 2024 she led the Division of Architecture at OU overseeing more than 30 faculty and 300 students as well as budgeting, recruiting, faculty development and curriculum.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Stephanie Pilat return to UC, bringing her academic and research experience and strong collaborative leadership style to DAAP,” says interim provost Kristi Nelson, PhD. “Following a very competitive national search, Stephanie’s skills and vision for the college were unmatched.”
During her tenure as division director at OU, Pilat oversaw significant growth and innovation, doubling student enrollment and faculty size. She led the development of a strategic plan and collaborative teaching practices, resulting in successful reaccreditation and the implementation of programs supporting faculty research.
It is an honor to serve as the dean of a college that brings together the creativity and expertise of dedicated students and world class faculty and staff.
Stephanie Pilat, PhD
“I’m thrilled to return to the University of Cincinnati where I started my career in architecture and design decades ago,” says Pilat. “It is an honor to serve as the dean of a college that brings together the creativity and expertise of dedicated students and world class faculty and staff under one roof, and I look forward to working with DAAP’s designers, artists, planners and architects to create a better future.”
In 2015, Pilat was named one of the “30 Most Admired Educators” by Design Intelligence. Her impactful scholarship on the American School of Architecture has led to influential exhibitions and publications, notably the exhibition "Outré West: The American School of Architecture from Oklahoma to California," which gained national acclaim. Her collaborative efforts have resulted in award-winning publications showcasing her commitment to fostering collaborative scholarship environments that drive collective achievements in research and pedagogy.
Pilat earned advanced degrees from the University of Michigan and began her academic career for the university in 2009 as a lecturer in architecture. In 2010, Pilat transitioned to OU serving as assistant professor of architecture until 2016. From 2014 to 2016 she also served as the Division of Architecture’s associate director of student development.
Pilat’s research focuses on twentieth century architectural theory and history, design pedagogy, Cold War American architecture, Italian architecture and urbanism and social housing.
About DAAP
The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati is internationally recognized for excellence in education, research, and creative practice. Offering more than 30 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs across a wide range of creative disciplines, DAAP prepares students to become leaders in their fields through rigorous academics and real-world, experience-based learning. With a mission to advance art and design in service to society, DAAP remains committed to innovation, community engagement, and the development of a more vibrant and equitable global future.
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