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In the Loop

College of Architecture names new dean

John D. Murphy Jr., formerly professor and director of international education at Auburn University’s McWhorter School of Building Science, was named dean of the College of Architecture in May.

Murphy comes to UTSA with 10 years of industry experience in Texas, Pennsylvania and Colorado, as well as nearly 20 years of teaching experience. He began his career in 1990 as a teaching assistant and lecturer at Texas A&M University. In 1992, he moved to Colorado State University, where he conducted significant research in architecture and was published in a variety of construction science and building publications.

In 2000, Murphy joined Auburn University. While there, he grew the McWhorter School’s international programs from fewer than half a dozen students annually to 35-40 students per year. Murphy received his bachelor’s degree in building construction, his master’s in construction management, and his doctoral degree in architecture with an emphasis in construction science and management, all from Texas A&M University.

The UTSA College of Architecture is the second-largest architecture school in Texas and, according to the May 2009 edition of The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine, is first in the nation in granting degrees to Hispanic architecture students.

The new dean replaces Robert Baron, who had served as interim dean since 2007.

- Christi Fish