Professor Aki Ishida Accepts New Role as the Sam and Marilyn Fox Professor and Director of the College of Architecture and Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University

As many of you know, Professor Aki Ishida has accepted a new role as the Sam and Marilyn Fox Professor and Director of the College of Architecture and Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, beginning July 1. I have had the great privilege of knowing and working with Aki Ishida since her arrival at Virginia Tech 12 years ago. I am thrilled about what lies ahead for her and for our schools.

With firsthand knowledge, I can confidently say that Aki will excel in her new role. Over the past two years, we have collaborated as interim director and associate director, navigating the transition from the School of Architecture + Design to the School of Architecture and the School of Design, and most recently, to the new School of Architecture. Aki's steadfast counsel and generous approach to every challenge we faced have profoundly shaped our school.

Aki's influence extends far beyond her leadership roles. Over the years, she has taught 2nd and 5th-year design labs, Building Materials, and study abroad programs in Japan and Europe. She has served as a senior fellow in the Institute for Creativity, Arts & Technology, directed the Intelligent Infrastructure for Human-Centered Communities destination area, led the school communications team, and served as a faculty fellow in the provost’s office. Her initiative to create a faculty mentorship program has fostered new relationships and facilitated the sharing of valuable knowledge.

While we are saddened to see her leave, we recognize that this is a new phase filled with potential. Aki and I plan to continue collaborating, sharing opportunities, and creating conditions for exchange between our schools. Thank you, Aki, for everything you have done and will continue to do.

Best,
Jim Bassett
Director
School of Architecture