José Gámez appointed dean of the College of Arts + Architecture

José Gámez has been appointed dean of the College of Arts + Architecture, effective July 1. He currently serves as interim dean of the college.

“While José’s scholarship is grounded in architecture, he has a deep commitment to the visual and performing arts and their role in the modern research university,” said Jennifer Troyer, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “An experienced leader with a national reputation, he will continue to support the growth of all disciplines within the college while enhancing our community partnerships within the Charlotte region.”

Gámez joined the College of Arts + Architecture in 2002 as an assistant professor of architecture. He has served in multiple leadership positions including associate dean for research and graduate programs, interim director of the David R. Ravin School of Architecture, associate director of the school, a Provost’s Faculty Fellow and as a research fellow with UNC Charlotte’s Institute for Social Capital and Urban Institute.

Gámez has a long history of professional leadership and currently serves as the second vice president of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. His research explores questions of culture in architecture and urbanism through action-based research and public scholarship. His design contributions to the work of assemblageSTUDIO have been featured in “New Museums: Contemporary Museum Architecture Around the World, Models: Architecture and the Miniature and Architectural Record.”

Gámez earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental design from Texas A&M University, a Master of Architecture from the University of California Berkeley and a Ph.D. in architecture and urban design from the University of California at Los Angeles.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to step into the role of dean of the College of Arts + Architecture, previously held by Brook Muller and founding dean Ken Lambla,” said Gámez. “Their dedication to creative interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, leadership and impactful research serves as an inspiring foundation upon which I aim to build. I truly believe that this unique college, one of only a handful in the country, will play a key role in propelling UNC Charlotte to the forefront of academic excellence. It will be an honor to help our faculty, staff and students shape what’s next for the College of Arts + Architecture.”