ACSA Announces Mo Zell as 2023-2024 President

Washington D.C., July 6, 2023 – The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) is pleased to announce Mo Zell as the organization’s 2023-2024 president. Professor Zell is the Interim Dean at UW-Milwaukee College of the Arts and Architecture and principal of the design and research firm, bauenstudio.

Previous to her current position, Zell has served in various administrative capacities including as the Interim Dean of the UWM School of Architecture and Urban Planning, the school’s first woman to become department chair, Associate Dean, and faculty member where she spearheaded a number of initiatives at the school including the SARUP externship program, SUPERjury, Women in Design Milwaukee, and the SARUP Mobile Design Box.

Mo Zell has a proven track record of leadership within ACSA, having previously served as a regional director, and co-chair of the ACSA fall conference along with several strategic committees and task forces. Her insights and contributions have helped shape the organization’s initiatives and priorities. Her extensive experience as an educator and practitioner will be instrumental in guiding ACSA’s strategic direction for the upcoming year.

In her new role as President, Mo Zell has identified the following agenda items as priority for the organization: 1.) Continuing to focus on how to respond to changes taking place within architectural education; 2.) Demonstrating the value of architecture to public audiences and how research and public engagement happening in schools of architecture impact our communities; 3.) Developing pathways and access to architectural education. In her candidate statement, Zell says, “ In these times, we need leadership that is willing to take a critical view of both the educational system and ACSA’s role within it.” She will work closely with the ACSA Board of Directors, member schools, and industry partners to enhance the quality of architectural education by advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion, and by creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange for all.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the President of ACSA,” said Mo Zell. “Architectural education plays a vital role in shaping the built environment and influencing the world around us. I look forward to working with the dedicated members of ACSA to advance our collective mission, foster innovation, and ensure that future generations of architects are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex challenges of our time.”

Mo Zell’s presidency will strengthen the organization’s mission of advancing architectural education. Her innovative approach, passion for teaching, and commitment to inclusivity will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of architects and shape the future of the profession.

About ACSA
The mission of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture is to lead architectural education and research. Founded in 1912 by 10 charter members, ACSA is an international association of architecture schools preparing future architects, designers, and change agents. Our full members include all of the accredited professional degree programs in the United States and Canada, as well as international schools and 2two- and four4-year programs. Together ACSA schools represent some 7,000 faculty educating more than 40,000 students.

ACSA seeks to empower faculty and schools to educate increasingly diverse students, expand disciplinary impacts, and create knowledge for the advancement of architecture. For more information, visit www.acsa-arch.org.