Posted on September 24, 2024
Post categories: Alumni & Industry Community Dean Faculty Landscape Architecture News
Ken Yocom, Professor and Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture, has agreed to serve as interim dean of the College of Built Environments, effective October 12, 2024.
A Professor and the Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture, Dr. Yocom has an adjunct appointment in the Department of Urban Design and Planning. He is also an active faculty member with the PhD in the Built Environments and the Interdisciplinary PhD in Urban Design and Planning within the College of Built Environments.
Dr. Yocom earned his bachelor’s in Vertebrate Zoology from Eastern Washington University. He also earned a master’s of Landscape Architecture and a PhD in the Built Environments, both degrees from the College of Built Environments at the University of Washington, where he researched nature and society relations through the contemporary context of urban ecological restoration practices. Today, his research, teaching, and practice explore the convergence of urban infrastructure and ecological systems through adaptive design approaches that serve to demystify emerging strategies and technologies for sustainable and resilient development. More specifically, he investigates how water –in all its forms- shapes the past to future functions and patterns of our built environments.
In his teaching, Dr. Yocom emphasizes the development of a holistic and integrated approach that embraces the complexity of our built environments, yet discreetly explores the intersections and overlaps that frame our understanding and appreciation of particular places. He has a strong belief that collaboratively, the allied design professions can act as catalysts in recognizing, utilizing, and transforming the inherent potential of our built environments into places that are socially equitable, environmentally just, and economically sustainable.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue supporting the incredible work happening at the College of Built Environments,” said Dr. Yocom. “Our community is full of passionate, dedicated individuals, and I look forward to working with them to further our impact in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.”
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Yocom on his new role as Interim Dean.