Congratulations to Jim Bassett, who has been appointed as the new director for the School of Architecture in the Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, following his time as interim director since August 2022. With a rich history of architectural innovation, Bassett’s leadership during the college’s restructuring has proven pivotal in fostering essential support through a period of transition, effectively uniting performing and visual arts with design disciplines. Reflecting on this transformation, Bassett remarked, “The restructuring of the college has revealed opportunities for new collaborations, but it has also given us the chance to rethink existing relationships and to make them stronger. These strengthened relationships are foundational to advancing research and creative scholarship, professional development, and our unique strengths as a community of teaching, learning, and creative practice.”

In assuming his new role, Bassett articulates his commitment to collaboration with faculty, alumni, students, staff, and the dean’s office to enhance the school’s reputation both locally and globally. “My objective is to fortify the foundations of the school while integrating fresh perspectives from individuals who share our appreciation and commitment to architecture, experimentation, community, and the education of architects,” he noted. With Dean Lu Liu expressing confidence in Bassett’s leadership, the school, home to over 800 architecture students, is poised to embark on a new era of excellence. Bassett’s vision aims to reinforce its global leadership in architecture education and research, building upon its strengths in community, student-centered pedagogy, and creative scholarship.