David Boeck, Associate Professor of Architecture, just received the University of Oklahoma’s General Education Teaching Award. He was honored at the Faculty Awards Luncheon on April 14th for the award.
Professor Boeck has been teaching in the Gibbs College of Architecture since 2007. He has regularly taught sections of Architecture for Non-Majors (ARCH 3013) as well as Creativity Through Sketching (ARCH 4513) year-round. Both courses are often primarily made up of students from outside of both the Division of Architecture as well as Gibbs College.
Dr. Stephanie Pilat, Director of the Division of Architecture, writes “Professor Boeck has developed a reputation for his enthusiasm and the encouraging atmosphere he creates in the classroom. Though most of the students who enroll in these courses have little to no knowledge of architecture or design, Professor Boeck seeks to develop a love of design and confidence in each and every student. Over the years, Professor Boeck has taught hundreds and hundreds of students in these courses making him a well-known figure on campus and throughout Norman.”
Professor Boeck has become known for creating an inclusive classroom that caters to all skill levels. Students who have no experience with architecture or sketching are still able to enjoy and excel in his course. Lauren Kennedy, Class of 2022 student, wrote in support of Professor Boeck, “He welcomed all levels of experience, and adjusted his sketching techniques so that all skill levels could comprehend and grow. His hands-on teaching creates an intimate setting where no one is afraid to seek help or become inspired. Professor Boeck taught us that creativity is a cultivativable skill, and was determined to show us this through collaborative projects and individual assessments.”
Professor Boeck’s courses show students the importance of the built environment as well as inspire them to cultivate their creative skills, no matter their major. Gibbs College Dean Hans Butzer writes, “He connects students from across OU with the knowledge and an awareness of how their built environments affect one’s health and sense of identity. Prof. Boeck also captures their unique roles as agents in shaping their communities, as well as how to creatively solve problems and communicate using sketching as a tool.”
Congratulations to Professor Boeck on his well-deserved recognition!
Gibbs College is pleased to present the exhibition Vollendorf in Oklahoma: The Architecture of Dean Bryant Vollendorf during the Spring 2025 semester. It will be on display in Gould Hall, on the OU-Norman Campus, from February 16, 2026 - March 13, 2026.
On November 21, 2025, the Mainsite Contemporary Art gallery was transformed into a showcase of innovation and craftsmanship for the University of Oklahoma’s furniture design build studio exhibition, “Purpose in Form.”
Associate Professors Lee Fithian, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Pober have published a chapter in the recently released New Perspectives in Indoor Air Quality, published by Elsevier. Their contribution, titled “Chapter 16 – Architecture and the Challenges of Indoor Air Quality,” examines the relationship between architecture and indoor air quality.
