Texas A&M University has appointed Patrick C. Suermann, Associate Professor, Head of Department and Chair of McMullan, Acting Dean of the College of Architecture. Suermann will fill the role of Jorge A. Vanegas, the college’s dean since 2009, transitioning to a new role Jan. 2 as associate vice president and director of the Institute for Sustainable Communities.

“As dean, Dr Vanegas has overseen vast budget and enrollment growth, the addition of the visualization department, the college’s 50th anniversary, multiple recessions and a global pandemic,” the acting president and vice-president said. – Executive Chairman Timothy P. Scott ’89 in a message to campus today.

In her new role, Vanegas will collaborate with academics whose research findings help pave the way for sustainable communities and create high-impact learning experiences for students, Scott said.

As for Suermann, Scott said he was instrumental in securing research grants from NASA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, among others, and was made a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers with six Meritorious Service Medals and many other honors.

Suermann graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1997 with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, received his master’s degree in construction science from Texas A&M in 2003, and his doctorate. in Design, Construction and Planning from the University of Florida in 2009.