Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Petya holds bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering and Architecture and Urban Planning, master’s degrees in Architecture and Adult Education, and is currently a doctoral candidate in the PDC program.
Ms. Stefanoff has over a decade of experience in state and local government, along with private-sector work at engineering and architectural firms across several states. Her background gives her a unique perspective on how policy, design, and community growth intersect, which are the very areas she will oversee in her new role.
As Director of Community Development, she will lead the city's planning, zoning, and development services departments while guiding long-term initiatives that support Shawnee's continued growth. Her appointment highlights how the PDC program prepares students to translate academic learning into real-world impact.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture announces John Harris as Associate Dean for Research ad interim, effective Aug. 25, 2026, until the permanent position is filled.
Gibbs College is pleased to announce the 2026 Gibbs College Faculty & Staff Awards recipients. These individuals were recognized by Dean Butzer during the Gibbs College Back to School Meeting and will be honored during the Celebration Banquet in October. They were nominated by their colleagues via an open nomination process.
Telesis, the Gibbs College of Architecture’s student journal, has been awarded a grant from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts to support its next two issues, “Pause” (Volume IX) and “React” (Volume X).
