Personal Update from Dean Parr
Dear CAPPA community,
I am writing with some very difficult bittersweet news. The University of Oregon has offered me the position of Dean of the College of Design and my husband Michael has a position as Associate Professor of Architecture. After much discussion and extensive conversations with our interim President Lim, who worked hard to keep us both at UTA, we have decided this is the best move for us and our family.
I will begin my new appointment in March 2021. The decision did not come lightly as I truly love my current role as Dean of CAPPA. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all the faculty, staff, student leaders, and UTA leadership over the past few years. I have made many close friendships that I hope will continue despite my departure. What originally drew me to the college is your remarkable creativity, incredible passion for student success, and most of all your commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, planning, and public affairs in new and imaginative directions. I have been inspired by you each and every day since I arrived.
I was not looking for a new position when the search firm originally reached out to me. I was, and am, very happy and honored to be your Dean. That said, a lot has happened in 2020, most of all the public health crisis, which has meant our children have not been able to hug, kiss, play or share important celebrations with their ailing grandmother, uncles, and aunts. Indeed, they like many others have largely been confined to the house and are still continuing school via Zoom. This has taken a tremendous toll on the entire family and the time has come to move within driving distance of our relatives so that we can support them and they us. Michael and I were married in the Pacific Northwest; this is a part of the world that we are very connected to.
The position of Dean of the College of Design at the University of Oregon will also allow me to re-awaken my longstanding interest in the fine arts; to be involved once again with Ph.D. studies spanning art, design, and planning; curatorial collaborations and projects with the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art; as well as entering into strategic environmental initiatives that align with my UNESCO work. My husband Michael is an alumnus of the Architecture program; and in addition to family, he has a vast network of professional and personal friendships throughout the Pacific Northwest that spans decades.
In the remaining months, I will be working closely with the college leadership to ensure that there is minimal disruption because of my departure to plans that are already underway. The Provost’s office will also be working with CAPPA leadership to support them through a smooth transition.
I will miss everyone terribly but look forward to remaining in touch with you. And whenever you are in the Pacific Northwest, please be sure to look us up. Michael and I would love to be able to welcome you into our new home, enjoy a hike together, and introduce you to our friends and new colleagues.
In friendship,
Adrian Parr