Kuska named interim dean

Over this past month there have been many leadership changes at the University of Nebraska. Recently, dean Katherine Ankerson was named as UNL’s executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. While we are excited for her, we will miss Kathy’s leadership and enthusiasm for academic excellence that has propelled the college to new levels for nearly six years as our dean. However, we are fortunate to still enjoy her guidance but from a different perspective and role at the university. We wish her only the best in this next chapter of her life.

Assuming the role of interim dean, is someone that is hardly a stranger to any of us. If you graduated in the last three decades, you may have seen her in the halls or taken one of her classes. We are excited to announce Dr. Sharon S. Baum Kuska, professor of architecture and associate dean for faculty and academic programs in the college has accepted the interim dean position.

“Sharon’s knowledge and experience will ensure continued momentum for the college’s strategic priorities and across each of the college's academic programs,” said Bob Wilhelm, UNL interim executive vice chancellor. “I am grateful for her willingness to serve in this role.”

“I’m tremendously honored to serve as interim dean for the impactful faculty, dedicated staff and talented students in the College of Architecture,” Sharon Kuska said. “During this interim period, we will carry on with implementing our college strategic plan in concert with the university’s N2025 goals. We will strive to maintain and grow our culture to encourage equity and inclusivity within the design and planning intellectual environments.”

As the new interim dean, Sharon brings with her decades of academic expertise and leadership. She has been teaching with the Architecture Program since 1986 in the areas of structures in architecture, women in design, sustainability and the built environment, architectural design and black architects in the U.S. She has served as an associate dean for the college as well as leading various college and university initiatives involving student success, inclusivity and diversity, and sustainability in architecture and communities.

Renown as a scholar in sustainability, Sharon has presented at numerous conferences, workshops and summits during her university tenure. In fact, Sharon co-authored the book “Sustainometrics: Measuring Sustainability” with the late Dean Emeritus W. Cecil Steward that presents a method of assessment and planning to define progress toward sustainability goals. Together, the pair also wrote a manuscript titled “Making Sense of Sensible Making: The red flag for design” that makes the case for a new imperative design theory based on the belief that sensible design is the key to a sustainable future.

Sharon is widely known in the professional community and has held several distinguished service positions including president of the Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers; member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Exam Committee and ARE Subcommittee, Structures Subdivision coordinator; member of the Design Futures Council Executive Board; and acting president of the Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities.

Sharon’s contributions to her field have been recognized nationally with the distinguished DesignIntelligence 25 Most Admired Design Educators of 2016 award. According to DesignIntelligence, Sharon is "A leading voice in the field of sustainability and models action on the campus of the University of Nebraska; she brings an engineer's talent and analysis to design forms and mentors students focused on achievement."

As the new interim dean, Sharon looks forward to breaking new ground and leading the college into the next era.

“Sharon has served the College of Architecture tirelessly in countless ways over the years,” commented Katherine Ankerson. “I join the faculty with full confidence in her leadership of this time-honored institution and look forward to the synergy she inspires and the positive changes she will champion.”