The search for the next dean of the School of Architecture and Planning has begun with the appointment of a search committee chaired by Andrew S. Whittaker, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering.

The search is seeking a successor to Robert Shibley, who will step down as dean when his successor is hired. Shibley will resume his role as SUNY Distinguished Professor in the departments of Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning. He will also continue his work as a senior fellow in the UB Regional Institute, and plans to start up a new center on American urban excellence.

The search committee includes faculty from the School of Architecture and Planning, as well as other UB and community members with relevant professional interests and expertise.

In addition to Whittaker, the search committee includes:

• Aviva Abramovsky, dean, School of Law.
• Ann Bisantz, dean of undergraduate education.
• Emmanuel Frimpong Boamah, associate professor and interim chair, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Architecture and Planning.
• Martha Bohm, associate professor of architecture and associate dean for academic affairs, School of Architecture and Planning.
• Meghan Holtan, PhD student in urban and regional planning, School of Architecture and Planning.
• Joan Linder, professor of art, College of Arts and Sciences.
• Ryan A. McPherson, UB chief sustainability officer.
• Samina Raja, professor of urban and regional planning, School of Architecture and Planning.
• Korydon Smith, professor and chair, Department of Architecture, School of Architecture and Planning.
• Edward Steinfeld, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Architecture, School of Architecture and Planning.
• Ernest Sternberg, professor of urban and regional planning, School of Architecture and Planning.
• Dale White, principal for acquisitions and development, Bastogne Development Partners, and member, Dean’s Council, School of Architecture and Planning.

UB also has hired the consulting firm Russell Reynolds Associates to assist with the search. Jett Pihakis and Joi Hayes-Scott, the principles from the firm working on the search, have experience in recruiting leaders at all levels to UB.

Throughout the coming months, Whittaker will update the university community regarding the committee’s progress. Information will also be available on the search website.