University of Hawai‘i Appoints New Architecture School Dean

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has appointed Mo Zell as the new dean of the School of Architecture, with her tenure set to begin on April 16, 2025, pending final approvals. Zell brings over two decades of academic experience, including 12 years in leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning, where she spearheaded community partnerships and innovative educational programs. UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno praised her vision, expertise, and commitment to student-engaged research, emphasizing her ability to elevate the school’s impact on students, faculty, and the broader community.

Zell has a strong background in connecting architectural education with real-world applications, having launched initiatives such as the High School Design Build Summer Camp and the Design + Construction Initiative, which partnered with Habitat for Humanity to improve affordable housing. She also developed an award-winning externship program that provided students with professional job-shadowing experiences. As the former president of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), Zell has been a champion for inclusivity in the field and expanding the influence of faculty research.

Her recent research, funded by a $3.4 million Department of Energy grant, focuses on net-zero energy homes in Milwaukee, supporting sustainable building practices and workforce development. Zell expressed excitement about joining UH Mānoa and aims to enhance student opportunities, industry collaborations, and the role of design in tackling global challenges such as housing and climate resilience. Provost Bruno also acknowledged the contributions of Interim Dean William Chapman, thanking him for his leadership as he transitions back to the faculty.