The University of Cincinnati (UC) has named an alumna, Stephanie Pilat, as the new dean of its College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), per the Cincinnati Business Courier—as a UC architecture graduate, Pilat brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to the position, including a significant tenure as the Edith Kinney Gaylord presidential professor at the University of Oklahoma, managing the Division of Architecture.
Pilat's achievements at Oklahoma are notable, she oversaw over 30 faculty and 300 students, not only doubling both enrollment and faculty size but also spearheaded a strategic plan which was instrumental in reaccreditation and faculty research enhancement. Prior to her directorship, Pilat honed her academic credentials as an assistant professor of architecture and associate director of student development.
In statements captured by the Cincinnati Business Courier through UC News, UC’s interim vice provost Kristi Nelson praised Pilat's appointment, "Following a very competitive national search, Stephanie’s skills and vision for the college were unmatched." Pilat herself expressed enthusiasm about her new role, "I’m thrilled to return to the University of Cincinnati where I started my career in architecture and design decades ago."
The new dean also boasts a solid research background in 20th-century architecture, urbanism, and social housing complemented by varied academic and professional experiences spanning Michigan, California, and Oklahoma, as Pilat joins UC, the university celebrates a record-breaking student enrollment for the 2025–26 academic year—a testimonial to its growing reputation and perhaps reflective of Pilat's upcoming contribution to the institution.
For those seeking more details on Pilat’s appointment and her vision for DAAP, the full article is available on the University of Cincinnati website, courtesy of the Cincinnati Business Courier. Additionally, inquiries about the article can be directed to [email protected]. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment when institutions are embracing dynamic change to stay at the forefront of education in design and architecture.
