CAPPA Faculty and Staff Recognized by Graduating Students for Exceptional Impact
Arlington, TX — As part of Spring 2026 commencement registration, graduating students in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) were invited to recognize faculty and staff members who made a meaningful difference during their time at The University of Texas at Arlington. Many students took that opportunity to reflect—not only on what they learned, but on who helped them persist, grow, and succeed.
Across programs and disciplines, student comments highlighted a shared theme: meaningful mentorship. Graduates consistently recognized CAPPA faculty and staff for creating learning environments that were rigorous yet supportive, and for investing in students as individuals at critical moments in their academic journeys.
Together, these reflections and recognitions underscore the collective impact of CAPPA’s faculty and staff, whose guidance often extends beyond formal roles and responsibilities. Whether through studio mentorship, advising, or day‑to‑day support, students credited CAPPA’s community with helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and imagine their futures.
“These reflections affirm what we know to be true about CAPPA,” said Ming‑Han Li, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs. “Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to student success—not only as educators and advisors, but as mentors and advocates. The thoughtful words shared by our graduating students speak to a culture of excellence, care, and engagement that defines CAPPA. I am immensely proud of the work our community does every day and grateful for the lasting impact they have on our students’ lives.”
Faculty and staff recognized by graduating students will be honored at the UTA Faculty and Staff Recognition Reception on April 30, 2026, celebrating the meaningful role they play in shaping the UTA student experience.
Faculty & Staff Recognized by Graduating CAPPA Students
(Listed by School/Program)
School of Architecture
- Carlos Alba
- Dr. Austin Allen
- Amanda Aman
- Kate Aoki
- Dr. Mahmoud Bayat
- Bradley Bell
- Dr. Belen Butragueño Diaz‑Guerra
- Jason Cantrell
- Eduardo Castaneda
- Dennis Chiessa
- Bang Dang
- Sandra Espinoza
- Marisa Gomez
- Ozge Inal
- Olivia Jeffries
- Dr. Oswald Jenewein
- Julia Lindgren
- Heath MacDonald
- Dr. Atefe Makhmalbaf
- Michael Malone
- Dr. Barbara Marini
- John Maruszczak
- Ricardo Muñoz
- Chad Porter
- Dr. Zachary Porter
- Crystal Portillo
- Steven Quevedo
- Thomas Rusher
- Pia Sarpaneva
- Bart Shaw
- Arden Stephenson
- Dr. Lorena Toffer
- Amy Trick
- Victor Vielma
- Dustin Wheat
- Jason Wheeler
- Dr. Shermeen Yousif
- Bijan Youssefzadeh
Landscape Architecture
- Dr. Diane Jones Allen
- Letora Anderson
- David Hopman
- Dr. Joowon Im
- Tariq Mahadin
- Dr. Taner Ozdil
Public Affairs & Planning
- Dr. Ardeshir Anjomani
- Dr. David Coursey
- Dr. Jianling Li
- Dr. Evan Mistur
- Dr. Qisheng Pan
- Dr. Julene Paul
- Dr. Joseph Portugal
- Dr. Tongbin Teresa Qu
- Dr. Ariadna Reyes‑Sanchez
- Dr. Alejandro Rodriguez
- Dr. Malini Roy
- Dr. Deden Rukmana
- Dr. Jiwon Suh
CAPPA Dean’s Office
- Dr. Karabi Bezboruah
- Cheryl Donaldson
- Juan Gutierrez
- Charles MacBride
- Brad McCorkle
- Cord Read
- Jose Sanchez
- Sebastien Sol