Regents to vote on Architecture dean

University of Washington Prof. Douglas Kelbaugh will become the new dean of the School of Architecture and Urban Planning on July 1, if he is approved by the University Board of Regents tomorrow.

The decision will be one of many at the regents' monthly meeting tomorrow and Friday.

Kelbaugh, who has taught at eight different schools of architecture internationally and has been the editor of a national best seller, said that although he was eventually enticed by opportunities at the University, the decision wasn't easy.

"It was probably the toughest decision of my career because I love Seattle and I love the University of Washington," Kelbaugh said. "But, I was very taken by the opportunities at the University of Michigan."

Kelbaugh said he was largely attracted to the University because of its "healthy" budget.

"I think it's a well-funded university with a lot of tradition of excellence," Kelbaugh said. "I guess it was budgetary considerations, which seem better there than at the University of Washington."

Architecture program chair Brian Carter, one of seven members on the search committee that eventually recommended Kelbaugh to Provost Nancy Cantor, said the international search began in the Fall of 1996.

"It was quite important to see candidates who had an interest in both architecture and urban planning," Carter said. The committee sought a candidate with strong ties to both teaching and independent field work, Carter said.

Because of his well-rounded background, Kelbaugh embodies many of the key traits the committee felt the new dean should have, Carter said.

Jim Snyder, interim dean of Architecture and Urban Planning, said Kelbaugh has the full backing of the college.

"He's a very good guy, very personable and seems to have a good vision for the future," Snyder said.

Kelbaugh noted two main areas on which he would like to focus. One of these is the decentralization of Detroit.

"It's a classic American problem, disaggregation and disinvestment in center cities like Detroit and commensurate and overinvestment in suburban sprawl," Kelbaugh said. "The University of Michigan is a logical agent to address that problem."

Kelbaugh said he also would like to direct attention to recruiting more students to the school

Cantor, whose office initiated the search committee during predecessor J. Bernard Machen's tenure, said Kelbaugh will bring a combination of qualities to the position of dean.

"He has the leadership qualities required to lead the College of Architecture and Urban Planning into the 21st century, and I am personally delighted that he is willing to assume this important leadership role at the University," Cantor said in a written statement.

Kelbaugh is noted for his efforts in initiating New Urbanism, which is a postmodern planning and design movement.

Before moving to Ann Arbor, Kelbaugh plans to finish the semester at the University of Washington, where he teaches several courses.

Along with voting on Kelbaugh's appointment, the regents also will conduct several other items of business this month.

Regent Olivia Maynard (D-Goodrich) said the regents will take advantage of the light January agenda to concentrate on some personnel business.

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