Enhancing the link between the School of Architecture and the Fort Worth-Dallas area will be a priority for Donald F. Gatzke, who was named architecture dean in June. He begins his full-time appointment in January but is working on campus some this fall.

Gatzke, a practicing architect, has served as dean of the Tulane University School of Architecture since 1996. He previously taught at Tuskegee University in Alabama and the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, where he earned his master of architecture degree.

At Tulane, Gatzke is credited with establishing a program in preservation studies and with developing the school’s strategic plan. He also initiated a $15 million capital campaign to renovate facilities and create an operating endowment. He cites the partnerships he developed with the New Orleans community as among his biggest accomplishments.

UTA’s potential influenced his decision to take the job. “I have a sense that the University is going to make a big jump forward in terms of academic reputation and quality,” he said.

Gatzke is a member of the American Institute of Architects and has won numerous awards for his design work. He replaces Richard Dodge, who has been interim dean since 2002.

The Honors College is also under new leadership this fall. Robert F. McMahon, former associate dean of the College of Science, assumed the dean’s post in September following the retirement of Carolyn Barros.

“The Honors College is a very vibrant program,” Dr. McMahon said. “The first order of business is to ensure its continued growth and to keep it vibrant.”

Established in 1999, the Honors College is the only operation of its kind in North Texas and one of four in the state offering honors degrees in all academic disciplines. With its competitive admission standards and interdisciplinary focus, the college attracts UTA’s brightest students.

McMahon, a member of the UTA biology faculty since 1972, earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and his Ph.D. at Syracuse University. He is the director of the Center for Biological Macrofouling Research, a technology transfer and research center on animal fouling of raw water systems.

His research interests include the biology and control of zebra mussels and Asian clams and their effect on lakes and other fresh-water sites. He received the University's Award for Distinguished Record of Research in 1990.