The OU Urban Design Studio community was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Katie Wing. A 2019 graduate, Katie’s optimism, determination, and joy were an inspiration to all who knew her. While at the Studio she fed her passions for community placemaking, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
These interests and her gift for working with people often put her in a leadership role. For instance, she recruited and organized over one hundred volunteers during the Chapman Green Placemaking effort. Likewise, she played an important role in the Liberation Cottage Design Competition for the Osage Forest of Peace Campus Plan.
Katie Wing.
Her professional capstone project focused on studying and transforming Tulsa Transit’s Downtown Transfer Station. After graduating, Katie worked for the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCG) as a planner and urban designer before stepping down due to illness.
She is survived by her husband Robbie, also an Urban Design Studio alumnus. Our deepest sympathies go out to Robbie and the rest of Katie’s family and friends. She was a brilliant light in the world, and we will miss her illumination.
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) 2024 collaboration with the Historic Threatt Filling Station has been recognized in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's newly released Byways Report: The Scenic Route to Rural Prosperity – a story-driven publication exploring how road trip culture and place-based tourism can fuel economic growth in rural communities.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Camille Germany, Chief of Staff, has been named the 2026 recipient of the university-wide Jennifer L. Wise Good Stewardship Award.
