The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning has promoted the following faculty members to new leadership roles: Mo Zell to senior associate dean; Lingqian (Ivy) Hu to executive for academic affairs and research; and Kyle Reynolds to chair of the architecture department. Their new responsibilities began in July.

“Mo, Ivy and Kyle each bring their unique talents and perspectives to these roles,” interim Dean Nancy Frank said. “I appreciate the sound advice that I can count on from each of them. SARUP needs just this combination of talents as we continue the important work of educating, leading and designing.”

Senior Associate Dean Mo Zell has served the School of Architecture and Urban Planning since 2008, including as associate dean, chair of the architecture department and professor. She has advanced a number of projects for the school, including the externship program, SuperJury, Women in Design Milwaukee and the Mobile Design Box, which is a pop-up gallery that fosters connection and collaboration with Milwaukee’s neighborhoods and creative community. She was named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 2021 Women of Influence list in the mentor category.

In her new role, Zell will manage the school’s externship program and communications team, in addition to overseeing external relationships with local and national firms, funders, developers, industry partners and alumni. Her work includes leading new initiatives that equip and support students of color on a pathway to participation in the school’s programs and related careers. Zell also will lead conversations that advance a UW System-wide objective of developing collaborative programs in design and the built environment.

“I look forward to growing the reputation and visibility of the school in creating new institutes around better health and design and the natural partnerships in the design, build and construction sectors,” Zell said. “I’m excited to be working more closely with our external partners including neighborhood communities, partner firms, and local and regional businesses that help support the innovative visions of SARUP.”

Executive for Academic Affairs and Research Ivy Hu joined the School of Architecture and Urban Planning in 2010 and has served as chair of the department of urban planning since 2018. Hu’s focus includes teaching courses that center on transportation, land use planning and urban development theories. Since 2010, Hu has published more than 40 journal articles and book chapters. She has taken a key leadership role in developing the school’s new Master of Urban Design program that will host its first cohort this fall, in addition to advancing the school’s international recruitment efforts with special emphasis on China and India.

Hu’s new responsibilities include supporting departments in program development and revision, and leading the development of collaborative research proposals. She will continue to focus on growing the school’s international recruitment initiatives and supporting fundraising efforts in the planning community.

“Higher education is rapidly evolving, with growing needs for multidisciplinary education and research,” said Hu, who will continue to serve as the chair of the urban planning department. “I will focus my efforts on academic program development with partners at UWM and beyond and on collaborative research support for SARUP faculty and students.

“These initiatives will help students and professionals to prepare for and imminent challenges faced by our communities, including social justice, climate change and public health.”

Department of Architecture Chair Kyle Reynolds has served as a faculty member at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning since 2012, during which time he has managed major curriculum changes to the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies program as the undergraduate curriculum chair. Reynolds has worked to strengthen the school’s position locally and regionally, cultivating enhanced connections with firms in Chicago. Prior to receiving a Master of Architecture at Princeton, Reynolds was a graduate of the school’s architecture program, with a certificate in urban planning.

As the new department chair, Reynolds will manage department finances, oversee decisions related to hiring, tenure and promotion, and guide communication with university administrators.

“I am honored to serve as department chair at this pivotal moment for SARUP and the discipline,” Reynolds said. “As we emerge from a world-altering pandemic, I look forward to working with our faculty and students to meet the contemporary moment and address urgent social, political, cultural and environmental movements through the built environment.”

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING

UWM’s School of Architecture & Urban Planning is a Center of Excellence in the University of Wisconsin System, offering an extensive array of degree programs – BSAS, M.Arch, M.S.Arch, Ph.D., MUD, MUP and Coordinated M.Arch/MUP, matched by only six other architecture schools nationally. SARUP educates leaders who challenge conventions and invent new methodologies for integrating designing, building and community engagement.