The University of Cincinnati is ushering in a new era for its College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), with old roots bringing a fresh perspective. Dr. Stephanie Pilat, an alumna of UC, is set to take on the deanship of the prestigious institution starting July 1, in a move hailed by interim provost Kristi Nelson. "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," said Nelson through UC News, in a statement confirming the appointment, subject to the approval of the UC Board of Trustees.
Pilat's professional journey is a montage of academic leadership and scholarly pursuits, until recently, she graced the University of Oklahoma (OU) as the Edith Kinney Gaylord Presidential Professor and steward of the Division of Architecture. Between 2016 and 2024, her leadership was marked by a doubling of both student enrollment and faculty size, an overhaul of strategic planning, and the success of reaccreditation efforts, as well as bolstering faculty research programs.
Her appointment at UC follows what is described as a fiercely competitive national search, where according to documentation from OU, Pilat's significant contributions included innovative curriculum development and fostering collaborative teaching practices. The University of Cincinnati's announcement highlighted these achievements as probably, heartening evidence of her capability to helm DAAP's future. In fact, during her tenure at OU, the architecture division not only expanded but also saw the introduction of new programs aimed at supporting faculty research—a testament to her dedication to growth and innovation.
Looking ahead, the UC community anticipates Pilat's homecoming will rekindle the spirit of progress for which the college is known. DAAP stands at the confluence of creativity and practicality, and under Pilat's forthcoming leadership, it is expected to continue producing forward-thinking designers, architects, artists, and planners who are as capable as they are visionary. Details pertaining the strategic direction and initiatives Pilat will usher in remain to be seen, but for UC, securing a leader with such an intimate understanding of its ethos proves that sometimes the best choice is one that feels like a homecoming.
