CAPPA Celebrates Excellence at Spring 2026 College-Wide Faculty and Staff Meeting
Pictured L-R: Asst. Dean. Charles MacBride, Assoc. Dean. Karabi Bezboruah, Prof. Dennis Chiessa, Sebastian Sol, Susan Allert, Dr. Jiseul Kim, Dr. Mahmoud Bayat, and Dean Ming-Han Li
As the 2025–26 academic year draws to a close, the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) came together on April 20 for the Spring 2026 Faculty and Staff College-Wide Meeting. It's an occasion marked by reflection, appreciation, and celebration of the people who define the college's dynamic academic community.
The gathering highlighted the continued success of the CAPPA Faculty & Staff Awards program, now in its second year and led by Associate Dean for Faculty Success and Research, Dr. Karabi Bezboruah. Established to foster a culture of recognition and excellence, the program honors faculty and staff whose dedication and achievements have made a lasting impact across the college.
The meeting opened with welcoming remarks from Dean Ming-Han Li and Dr. Bezboruah, setting a tone of gratitude and pride. Attendees also heard updates from unit leaders, the College Business Officer, and staff, offering a comprehensive view of the college's progress and accomplishments over the past year.
A special highlight of the event was the introduction of Dr. Gül Sayan Atanur, Dean of the College of Architecture & Design at Bursa Teknik Üniversitesi (Bursa Technical University), who participated as a visiting scholar at CAPPA and guest of Dr. Taner R. Özdil, reinforcing the college’s emphasis on international academic collaboration and exchange.
Pictured L-R: Dean Ming-Han Li, Assoc. Dean. Karabi Bezboruah, Dr. Gül Sayan Atanur, and Dr. Taner R. Özdil
The celebration ended with the recognition of this year's outstanding award recipients:
1) Faculty Awards:
CAPPA Teaching Excellence for Tenure-Track Faculty: Dr. Mahmoud Bayat
CAPPA Excellence in Research for Tenure-Track Faculty: Dr. Jiseul Kim
CAPPA Excellence in Creative Activity for Tenured Faculty: Prof. Dennis Chiessa
2) Outstanding Staff Awards:
Judith Clark, Administrative Assistant II (Dr. Diane Jones Allen received the award on her behalf)
Sebastian Sol, Academic Advisor II
Susan Allert, Assistant to the Associate and Assistant Dean / Special Events Coordinator
These individuals exemplify the spirit of excellence, innovation, and commitment that drives CAPPA forward. Their contributions not only enrich the college community but also elevate its mission in teaching, research, service, and collaboration.
As CAPPA concludes another successful academic year, the Spring 2026 meeting served as a meaningful reminder of the collective achievements and shared dedication that continue to shape its future.