Today, the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle announced that Renée Cheng, FAIA, has been named the dean of the College of Built Environments. Cheng has worked at the University of Minnesota since 2001, first serving as head of the School of Architecture and later as associate dean for research for the College of Design.
“Professor Cheng recognizes that the building professions—from architecture to urban planning to construction management—are part research and part practice. Their work reflects our communities, serves them and becomes part of them,” said UW provost Jerry Baldasty in a press release. “By continuing to advocate for a research-based approach to this work, and increasing the number and visibility of women and people of color, Professor Cheng will serve as a dynamic leader in the college and beyond.”
A graduate of Harvard Graduate School of Design, Cheng has twice been named to nonprofit DesignIntelligence's “25 Most Admired Educators” list, served as the AIA Minnesota chapter president, and was an AIA Latrobe Prize Finalist.
“The College of Built Environments is a unique collection of disciplines that together, have unparalleled access to, and impact on, the lives and well-being of each and every community around the globe,” Cheng said in the release. “I am honored and excited to join the College of Built Environments and work with new and existing partners, in the greater Seattle area and elsewhere.”
Once approved by the UW Board of Regents, Cheng will begin her tenure on Jan. 1, 2019. Current dean, John Schaufelberger, who was appointed in 2013, will stay on in his role until the end of this year.
