At a recent American Planning Association (APA) and Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) data session during the 2025 ACSP Administrator’s Conference, Oklahoma was recognized as a national leader in planning education and professional engagement.
As the APA representative presented slides showing trends in planning education and professional engagement, one point stood out. “We need to know what Oklahoma is doing,” they said. The data showed that Oklahoma has seen rapid growth in both APA and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) membership—both per capita and per existing APA member—over the past few years.
This kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. A major driver behind this trend is the work being done at the University of Oklahoma. Much of this success is due to the efforts of Dr. Charlie Warnken, who has been instrumental in mentoring and preparing students for professional certification and involvement. From guiding them through the AICP process to actively collaborating with the Oklahoma APA chapter, Dr. Warnken has created a culture of engagement and excellence.
One standout feature of OU’s program is its comprehensive exam process, designed to closely mirror the AICP exam. This innovative approach has not only helped students feel more prepared, but it’s also caught the attention of peer institutions. After the session, several department chairs from across the country approached OU to learn more about how our model could be adapted to their programs.
This national recognition is more than a proud moment—it’s a reminder of the leadership and innovation happening here at OU that trains excellent professionals and is impacting our state in important ways!
Featured image: Regional and City Planning students and faculty.
A team of Construction Science and Architecture students from the Gibbs College of Architecture made their mark on the national stage this week, earning third place out of 37 universities competing at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, held during the International Builders' Show in Orlando, February 16-18, 2026.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP to its prestigious College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor—for his exceptional work and sustained contributions to architecture and society. Fellowship recognizes architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant impact at a national level. Members elevated to this distinction carry the FAIA designation after their name.
Students from the Spring 2026 Graduate 4 Architecture Design Studio, led by Professor Amy Leveno, exhibited their work at the School of Visual Arts. The exhibition, titled Reimagining the OU School of Visual Arts, featured drawings, models, and animations developed throughout the semester's studio project. The show was hosted in The Spotlight, a creative gallery space located on the first floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, and ran from January 20–30, 2026.
