U of A Launches Dean Search for the Fay Jones School

The search for the next dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design is underway. Jeff Edwards, dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, is the chair of the search committee. 

The next dean of the Fay Jones School will succeed Peter MacKeith, who announced that he will step down as dean on June 30, 2026.  MacKeith was appointed as the fifth dean of the school in 2014, and he was reappointed in 2019. 

"Dean MacKeith's exceptional leadership over the past 12 years has greatly contributed to the Fay Jones School's success, and I am deeply grateful for his service," said Provost Indrajeet Chaubey. "I look forward to working with Dr. Edwards to help identify the school's next leader. His experience as a new dean on campus will be a tremendous asset in the overall search process. His expertise, along with the valuable insights we receive from the search committee and the search firm, will help the university recruit outstanding candidates for this role." 

The next dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design will lead with a clear strategic vision and a culture of collaboration across the school, the campus and the community. The ideal candidate will have an energetic and collaborative leadership style that inspires and builds trust with faculty, students and staff. They will also maintain and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors and industry. Candidates must have a record of scholarly achievement in research and/or practice commensurate with an appointment as a tenured full professor in the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. 

The University of Arkansas has partnered with executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist with this national search. Individuals interested in the position can view the job description and apply here. All applications, nominations and inquiries should be directed to Isaacson, Miller. Campus interviews will likely be held in April 2026. 

The search committee for the dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design includes the following members: 

• Jeff Edwards, chair, dean of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences 

• Chris Baribeau, principal architect and co-founder, Modus Studio; alumnus and member of the Dean's Circle School Advisory Board, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design  

• Michael Blazier, dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello  

• Angela Carpenter, fabrication lab manager and alumna, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design  

• Lynn Fitzpatrick, teaching associate professor of architecture, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design  

• John Folan, head of the Department of Architecture, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design  

• Brian Holland, associate professor of architecture, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design  

• Kevin McClurkan, partner, Ennead Architects; alumnus and member of the Dean's Circle School Advisory Board, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design  

• Rebecca Ohman, executive director, Garvan Woodland Gardens; alumna, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design  

• Jinoh Park, assistant professor of interior design and graduate program coordinator, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design  

• Mary Purvis, senior director of development, U of A Division of Advancement  

• Lucia Silva, fourth year student and president of Tau Sigma Delta, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design  

• Carl Smith, associate dean and professor of landscape architecture, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design   

• Daniela Alles (support), chief of staff of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Science 

To learn more about this position and the search process, visit the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design dean search website. 

About the University of Arkansas:  As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.