The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has named Mo Zell as the new dean of its School of Architecture, bringing over two decades of experience in academia, innovative educational programs, and industry partnerships to advance design education.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has appointed Mo Zell as the new dean of the School of Architecture, with her tenure set to begin on April 16, 2025, pending final approvals. Zell brings over two decades of academic experience, including 12 years in leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning, where she spearheaded community partnerships and innovative educational programs. UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno praised her vision, expertise, and commitment to student-engaged research, emphasizing her ability to elevate the school’s impact on students, faculty, and the broader community.
Zell has a strong background in connecting architectural education with real-world applications, having launched initiatives such as the High School Design Build Summer Camp and the Design + Construction Initiative, which partnered with Habitat for Humanity to improve affordable housing. She also developed an award-winning externship program that provided students with professional job-shadowing experiences. As the former president of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), Zell has been a champion for inclusivity in the field and expanding the influence of faculty research.
Her recent research, funded by a $3.4 million Department of Energy grant, focuses on net-zero energy homes in Milwaukee, supporting sustainable building practices and workforce development. Zell expressed excitement about joining UH Mānoa and aims to enhance student opportunities, industry collaborations, and the role of design in tackling global challenges such as housing and climate resilience. Provost Bruno also acknowledged the contributions of Interim Dean William Chapman, thanking him for his leadership as he transitions back to the faculty.
FULL STORY: New UH Mānoa School of Architecture dean selected
California State University System Leads Nation in Economic Mobility for Students
A new study ranks California State University campuses among the top institutions in California for economic mobility, demonstrating their success in providing affordable education that significantly boosts students’ long-term earnings.
Sustainability Expert Becomes Dean of USC’s School of Public Policy
Chris Boone, a sustainability leader, becomes dean of the USC Price School of Public Policy, where he aims to advance interdisciplinary solutions and sustainability initiatives while building on the school’s legacy of public policy leadership.
Avoiding Misplacement of a Place
To balance the interests of current residents and economic well-being, does a city's signature identity need an update?
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.
Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
How Madison’s Tree Planting Efforts Are Growing a Healthier Community
Madison’s annual tree planting initiative is enhancing environmental resilience, public health, and community livability by adding 1,400 carefully selected trees citywide, with strong community and institutional support for urban forestry.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service