University of Nebraska-Lincoln leaders on June 11 reaffirmed their commitment to goals and expectations for UNL’s architecture programs.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents had been scheduled to consider approval of a plan to form a new college by consolidating the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and the College of Architecture – outlined here – at its June 12 meeting. The item was removed from the board agenda and UNL officials do not expect it to be considered in the near future. As a result, the two colleges will continue to operate in their present configurations.
“We began this process for the purpose of improving the programs within the College of Architecture – to ensure their future relevance, to regain the enrollment that has been lost, to help its programs develop a strong regional and national reputation and to enhance its engagement with Nebraska’s architectural community,” Chancellor Harvey Perlman said.
Regardless of the proposal’s status, Perlman said UNL expects the objectives and outcomes built into the plan pertaining to the College of Architecture to endure. Those outcomes include:
Increasing enrollment;
Closely collaborating with the College of Fine and Performing Arts and other colleges in pursuing and developing new programs and areas of research, particularly in the area of design;
Increasing both the quantity and quality of the college’s industry partnerships; and
Improving the college’s reputation among its peers and the architecture profession across the country.
“Just as with all colleges, we will hold the architecture faculty and the college’s leadership accountable for meeting these expectations,” Perlman said. “This is the expectation that will be applied when considering the allocation of resources to the college and also in the selection of its leadership.”
UNL will not immediately conduct a national search for a permanent architecture dean. The reason, Perlman said, is because he is stepping down as chancellor on June 30, 2016.
“It would be extremely difficult to find permanent leadership in the college until the new chancellor and senior vice chancellor positions are filled,” Perlman said.
