Scott W. Killinger has been appointed to the position of interim dean in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Architecture. Ronnie Green, interim senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, announced the appointment July 30.
Killinger will formally begin the appointment, pending approval of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, Aug. 17.
Originally from Hebron, Neb., Killinger is a 1961 graduate of the university. He currently lives in Philadelphia and travels occasionally to Beijing, China, where he is founding partner of Kuang Xing International Planning and Design, a 50-person architecture, landscape and urban planning firm. He has taught and lectured at Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia University, Savannah College of Design, Tianjin University in China and Xi’an Jiaotong University in China. His practice consists of large-scale, complex projects both in the United States and across the globe.
“In my discussions with faculty, alumni and other college stakeholders, it is clear there is widespread respect for Scott’s leadership,” Green said. “We are pleased Scott will be joining UNL and I am confident he will move the College of Architecture forward in delivering on its mission and to reach to higher levels in areas of architecture, design and community and regional planning. I know that Scott will also work thoroughly to position the college for a permanent dean.”
He is an executive-committee member of the UNL College of Architecture’s Professional Advisory Council and is a sponsor of the Killinger China Program, an annual fall semester study-abroad opportunity in Tianjin comprised of Tianjin and UNL students. He earned the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009 and is a member of the NU Foundation’s Burnett Society, which recognizes donors who through consistent giving have raised the stature of the university.
Killinger said he was eager to return to his roots at UNL, whose students, faculty and staff he said were “among the best in the nation by all measures.
“I see opportunities to connect with other colleges and departments at the university where we share common interests,” Killinger said. “This will be a faculty-driven process and its purpose is to expand our enrollment from within the college, through targeted recruiting, and create a unique collaborative learning environment for our students.”
Starting Aug. 1, Professor of Architecture Rumiko Handa will serve as interim dean until Killinger’s arrival at UNL. After Aug. 17, Handa, who has been at UNL since 1996, will assume the role of interim associate dean within the college. She currently teaches architectural theory, design and history.
Killinger succeeds Kim Wilson, who recently ended a three-year appointment as interim dean.
