FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — If asked whether he ever wanted to be dean, Jeff Shannon, professor of architecture and the newly appointed dean of the University of Arkansas School of Architecture, would tell you no.

"I didn’t want to teach architecture; I wanted to teach architecture at the University of Arkansas," Shannon said. "I didn't want to be a dean; I wanted to be dean of the University of Arkansas School of Architecture."

Shannon's familiarity with the state and the University started long before he came to Fayetteville to teach 23 years ago. Born in Little Rock, he spent his childhood in Fordyce, Star City and Conway. After attending Hendrix College for two years, he entered the University of Arkansas, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree with honors in architecture in 1970. He received a master of architecture degree in urban design from Rice University in 1973 and in 1977 became co-founder of Polk, Shannon, Stanley Architects in Little Rock.

In 1979 he returned to Fayetteville to begin teaching. Throughout his two decades at the U of A, Shannon has taught such specialized topics as history of urban form, design theory and process, design studio and most recently, the architecture of Gianlorenzo Bernini.

In addition to his publications and memberships in honor societies and professional societies, Shannon has been honored for his teaching 13 different times. He has taught and mentored 14 students who have received national, regional and University recognition. His long commitment to students and colleagues has shown a dedication and loyalty to the University that few deans can rival.

"Being a dean has never been an essential goal in my professional life," Shannon said. "It is only recently that I have come to understand clearly that this role provides a greater opportunity to serve in more ways, and with broader impact, the people, the school, the University, and the state that I love and have been committed to serving for most of my professional life."

"Professor Shannon is ideally suited to be the dean of the University's flagship School of Architecture," said Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Bob Smith. "His scholarly record is superior. He has demonstrated notable administrative and leadership abilities during his term as interim dean, and he enjoys the respect and admiration of his colleagues-both in the School and among the state architectural community. Simply put, we cannot imagine anyone more qualified for this important position at the University of Arkansas."

While Shannon's position as dean will include enhancing the "overall well-being and public perception of both the University and the School by clearly and forcefully articulating their respective visions and goals to our stakeholders," he will also increase public awareness in "design and environmental quality."

"The stature of any individual school or program can be elevated only as high as the stature of the University itself," Shannon said. "As the University of Arkansas realizes the higher aspirations articulated by Chancellor White and Provost Smith, each school and department has the opportunity and the responsibility to reach its maximum potential."

Serving as interim dean, he began to sense the unique opportunities facing both the University and the School, opportunities that continue to motivate his belief that great things are possible at this university and in this School at a scale not previously imaginable.

His opportunity to lead the School of Architecture presents itself at the intersection of a unique set of circumstances involving the School of Architecture in transition at a time in which the University of Arkansas is redefining itself.

"This confluence makes the opportunity particularly attractive," Shannon said.

A JPEG photo of Jeff Shannon can be downloaded at http://pigtrail.uark.edu/news/.