Cornell announced recently that the dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Planning will leave the University after fall semester. Mohsen Mostafavi will become the dean of the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University beginning in January 2008.
"The past few years have been an extremely productive period for the College of Architecture, Art and Planning," Mostafavi stated in a release. "It's been a wonderful opportunity for me personally to be able to work with such incredible students, faculty and staff. Both the leadership of the University as well as its dedicated alumni have played a major role in our success. I will miss the generous atmosphere and the enormous welcome that the Cornell community has extended to me."
Mostafavi has been dean of the AAP school since 2004, overseeing the founding of the AAP New York City Center, new fund-raising initiatives and faculty appointments, as well as continued planning for Paul Milstein Hall – a proposed building to be placed between Rand Hall and the Foundry.
"Under Dean Mostafavi's leadership, AAP has achieved a new level of quality," Provost Biddy Martin stated in a release. "Mohsen's creativity and initiative have enhanced the college's national and international reputation, expanding its programs into New York City, building more international partnerships and bringing the most innovative artists, planners and architects to campus, not only to lecture but also to teach. Mohsen has provided intellectual leadership across the campus and has been a force in our university-wide efforts to enhance the visibility of the arts and humanities.”
Mostafavi, who formerly served as an associate professor of architecture at Harvard, will replace Alan Altshuler.
The University said they are discussing plans for the search for Mostafavi's replacement, as well as an interim dean.