Czerniak named dean of School of Architecture and Planning

Dear University Community:                                                           
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Julia Czerniak, professor of architecture at Syracuse University, as dean of UB’s School of Architecture and Planning, effective September 11, 2023. 

Professor Czerniak’s appointment results from an extensive international search that yielded a pool of highly competitive candidates. Professor Czerniak stood out because of her vision for the school, substantial administrative experience, impressive research and practice record, and commitment to student and faculty success. Under her leadership, I am confident that the School of Architecture and Planning will continue to build its reputation and strength while enhancing its impact on the region and urban contexts around the world.

At Syracuse, Professor Czerniak served as associate dean of the School of Architecture for eight years. In this role, she led the school’s academic strategic planning efforts and its successful National Architectural Accrediting Board review. She strengthened research support for faculty, enhanced the school’s international programs, expanded the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and spearheaded faculty development through policies and programs. Previously, Professor Czerniak served as inaugural director of UPSTATE: Design, Research and Real Estate, an interdisciplinary center dedicated to building architecture and planning collaborations with local government, not-for-profits and the local development community in Syracuse.

A highly accomplished scholar and designer, Professor Czerniak’s work in urban landscapes is at the intersection of architecture and landscape architecture. She has authored and edited over 30 publications and has participated in over 50 conferences, panels and events globally.  Professor Czerniak is also the creative director at CLEAR, an interdisciplinary design practice that focuses on urban landscapes in deindustrializing cities Professor Czerniak has received many awards and honors including a 2024 residency at the American Academy in Rome and the J.B. Jackson Book Prize from the Foundation for Landscape Studies. Her design, research and creative work has been recognized through exhibition and publication, as well as through award winning competition.  

Professor Czerniak holds a master in architecture from Princeton University, a research master in architecture from Glasgow School of Art, and a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Pennsylvania State University.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to SUNY Distinguished Professor Andrew Whittaker and all of the members of the search committee for their outstanding service, which was crucial to the successful outcome of this search. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dean Robert Shibley for his outstanding leadership of UB’s School of Architecture and Planning over the last 12 years as well as his exemplary university service over many years.

Please join me in welcoming Professor Czerniak to UB and to this important leadership role within our campus community. For more details on this appointment, please view the full announcement here.

Sincerely,

A. Scott Weber
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs