Dean's Message

For more than 40 years, we have built a strong tradition of forward-thinking, industry-connected education. Our programs span architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, construction management, sustainable design, historic preservation, urban design, interior architecture, real estate development, animation and digital media, engineering, industrial design, mechanical engineering, visual communication design, and user experience and interaction design. These disciplines cultivate a collaborative culture rooted in sustainability, social equity, design excellence and technological transformation.

With an expanded ecosystem of industry engagement, study abroad opportunities, applied research and internships, our students experience a truly global education. By modeling the integrated delivery of today’s professions, the college positions Jefferson as a national leader in interdisciplinary education—where design thinking, innovation and engineering expertise converge.

Our commitment to forward-thinking education has resulted in numerous accolades, with both our students and faculty consistently securing regional, national and international awards. Our successes include victories in prestigious design competitions such as:

• IIDA Awards
• John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship in Architecture
• Jacobs Design Competition
• HOK Futures Design Challenge

Jefferson is a top-ranked National Research University, and hosts extensive pioneering research institutes, centers and labs. These facilities enable collaboration among faculty, students and researchers to tackle urgent issues like climate change and social justice—making a real impact on communities. Centers such as the Institute for Smart & Healthy Cities, Malawi Health & Design Collaborative and the Lab for Urban & Social Innovation focus on creating healthier, more livable cities and buildings to address the unique challenges our communities face.

Our innovative approach and personalized learning experiences provide exceptional opportunities for success. Our graduates are empowered and prepared to address complex, real-world challenges at the intersection of society and the built environment.

Thank you for your interest in Jefferson. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate, inspire and innovate together in the pursuit of academic excellence.

Warm regards,

Barbara Klinkhammer, RA (DEU), Dipl.-Ing.
Dean, College of Architecture, Design & Engineering