Dear University community,
I am pleased to announce that I have reappointed Mark Ferguson, M. Arch., as dean of the School of Architecture and Planning; Jo Ann Regan, Ph.D., MSW, FNAP, as dean of the National Catholic School of Social Service; and Thomas Smith, Ph.D., as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Their new terms will begin July 1, 2024.
Mark Ferguson, Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning
During his current term, Dean Ferguson led the School of Architecture and Planning to an eight-year program re-accreditation, the maximum awarded, under the standards of the National Architectural Accrediting Board. The School showed great transparency throughout the accreditation interviews, as well as during post-pandemic studio culture reviews, a public curriculum review, and the launching of a revised mission statement to create stronger alignment with the University’s mission.
Dean Ferguson appointed three new tenure-track faculty members (of 11 total full-time faculty) to teach history, building technology, and urban design—the cornerstones of the architecture program—and recruited 14 participating Board of Visitors members to boost philanthropic support, increase outreach to University alumni, and recruit professionals to teach. Under his leadership, the School increased student enrollment and produced a new international studies program, the summer semester in London, which allows students to complete their M.Arch. degrees in one calendar year. He also established Crough Library, which was designed, built, furnished and filled with books by students, and Perini Plaza, an outdoor gathering place in Crough's front yard adjacent to the new University 7th Street entrance.
Commenting on the school’s success, Dean Ferguson stated, “We are in the business of creating good people. The cross-pollination of history, science, and art in the study of architecture offers all students seeking a liberal arts education the opportunity to become stewards of the common good. My school trains good people to build good places for all people to live together with dignity and integrity.”
Jo Ann Regan, Dean of the National Catholic School of Social Service
Building on the National Catholic School of Social Service’s (NCSSS) long history of service to our Church, nation, and world, Jo Ann Regan enhanced its curriculum in areas such as mental health and trauma care through new courses in substance use, mental well-being, and international social work. She also successfully recruited more social workers to work in these areas by raising more than $7 million in scholarships that include the Sisters Mary Vincentia Joseph and Ann Patrick Conrad Endowed Scholarship, MSW Student HRSA Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Program, The Pope Francis Scholars Compass Program in partnership with Catholic Charities DC, The Jay Kenney Memorial Scholarship in Aging and Disability, and the Alice and Louise Ford Housing Initiative to recruit students to work in the area of homelessness. NCSSS very recently celebrated the 90th anniversary of its Ph.D. program, the third oldest such program in the country.
“As dean of NCSSS, I have enjoyed serving with the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who prepare the next generation of social work professionals and who embody the values of social justice, service, and scholarship,” said Dean Regan. “I look forward to continuing our collective work in support of our mission and to building on our 100 years of history.”
Thomas Smith, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
Under Dean Smith’s leadership, the School of Arts and Sciences created the first strategic plan in the school’s history, and fostered a culture of program creation and innovation. New programs include: Master of Public Policy, Master of Applied Economics, Africana Studies, the Cornerstone Program (a living and learning community focused on citizenship), The Bridge Program (a support program to help prepare undergraduates to be flourishing adults), The Catholic University Autism Spectrum Program, the Institute for the Transformation of Catholic Education, and a certificate program for K-12 Catholic school teachers. The School raised $38 million during the University’s “Light the Way” Campaign—surpassing its goal of $35 million—and grew its Board of Visitors. Dean Smith also instituted a process to reorganize the School’s academic units, focusing on its distinctive mission and areas of academic excellence and enrollment growth.
“It's been an honor and privilege to work alongside our excellent faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences over the last four years,” stated Dean Smith. “Together we have made significant and lasting change that will build on our traditions of excellence. I am always amazed at how many rich gifts Catholic University is blessed with—our teacher-scholars, our wonderful students and staff, and our founding mission. I know our best days are ahead.”
I thank Mark, Jo Ann, and Thomas for their leadership and service, which benefit not only their respective schools but the entire University. I think it’s also important to note that in addition to managing all the usual challenges of academic leadership, each of them helped lead their faculty and students through the challenges of COVID during their present terms.
I look forward to continuing our work together to grow their schools and further enhance the reputation of The Catholic University of America. Please join me in wishing Mark, Jo Ann, and Tom continued success here at Catholic University.
Sincerely,
Peter Kilpatrick
President
The Catholic University of America