College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs
601 W. Nedderman Drive
Suite 203
Arlington, TX 76019-0108
Welcome to the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA). We are at an exciting moment as we continue to reimagine the built environment through the design of buildings, interiors, and landscapes; thoughtful planning for the future; and innovative approaches to public policy and sustainability. We are also energized by UTA West, the University's bold vision for westward expansion, and we look forward to contributing to its growth and success.
As an interdisciplinary college, CAPPA brings together the fields of Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Public Affairs, and Sustainable Urban Design to address the complex challenges facing our communities. We encourage students to engage across disciplinary boundaries, gaining diverse perspectives as they work collaboratively with faculty, professional partners, design and planning firms, nonprofit organizations, community stakeholders, and colleagues across campus and beyond.
An important part of the college is the Institute of Urban Studies (IUS). Since 1967, the Institute has served urban communities throughout Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth region through applied research, planning and management assistance, professional training and development programs, built-environment design support, and community engagement initiatives. Its longstanding commitment to public service exemplifies CAPPA's mission of creating meaningful impact through scholarship and practice.
CAPPA continues to rise in prominence as our faculty, staff, and students address the critical physical, social, economic, and environmental issues shaping our world. Our growing undergraduate and graduate programs, distinguished faculty, and expanding research portfolio reflect the college's regional, national, and global reach. Through research, creative activity, design, and public engagement, we remain committed to advancing sustainable and resilient communities.
We are dedicated to providing students with the latest knowledge, technologies, and professional practices as they prepare to lead in a rapidly changing world. Our mission is to inspire, challenge, and empower future leaders through academic excellence, innovative design, creative inquiry, critical thinking, and a commitment to public service.
Ming-Han Li, PhD, AICP, PE, PLA
Dean, College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs
ABOUT DEAN MING-HAN LI
Dr. Ming-Han Li is dean and professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. A fellow of both the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture, he has authored, co-authored and edited more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings. Li has served the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA) in various positions, including president, past president, president-elect, vice president for research, 2nd vice president and track chair. He has also served on the Transportation Research Board Committee AKD40 Landscape and Environmental Design. Li was once honored as one of the top 25 most admired design educators in the US by DesignIntelligence. In 2023, Li received the prestigious Texas A&M School of Architecture Outstanding Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Texas A&M School of Architecture upon its alums, with fewer than 1% of former students selected. In 2024, Li was recognized by National Taiwan University's Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering for the Outstanding Alumni Award.
Dr. Li’s unique strength is his interdisciplinary professional background. He is a certified planner (AICP), professional engineer (PE) and professional landscape architect (PLA), with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering (National Taiwan University), Master of Science in Civil Engineering (The University of Texas at Austin), both Master of Landscape Architecture and PhD in Urban and Regional Sciences from Texas A&M University (TAMU).