Dr. Donald Linebaugh has been named Interim Dean of the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (MAPP). The announcement was made today by the University Provost, Dr. Mary Ann Rankin, to the University community. Don will replace Dean Sonia Hirt, effective June 1, 2018, who has accepted a new role at the University of Georgia.
“I am very pleased that Dr. Linebaugh is accepting the vital role for the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation,” said Mary Ann Rankin, UMD’s senior vice president and provost. “He has a wealth of knowledge in administrative affairs, historical preservation and academic development. His leadership will allow the school to continue to be recognized as a leader in the fields of architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development.”
Dr. Linebaugh has been a member of the University of Maryland faculty and leadership since 2004. He is currently the Director of the Historic Preservation Program and MAPP’s Associate Dean of Faculty Development, Research and Creative Practice. An award-winning and well-regarded scholar, practitioner, administrator and teacher, Linebaugh has held positions at the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Va., and the University of Kentucky. He has spearheaded significant preservation and archeological work throughout the region and is the author of multiple publications, including four books. He was the recipient of the Paul E. Buchanan Award from the Vernacular Architecture Forum (VAF) in 2012 for his work on the Goulson Frame House Project. Since arriving at the University of Maryland, he has made significant inroads to growing the Historic Preservation Program in both size and scope; he has collaborated with other disciplines to offer new joint degrees and interdisciplinary coursework, created partnerships with area jurisdictions, federal agencies and nonprofits, including the National Park Service and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and developed significant initiatives to increase and promote diversity within the discipline. Linebaugh earned his B.S. in Environmental Science from Grand Valley State University, and a Masters in Anthology and Ph.D. in American Studies from the College of William and Mary.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the school and across campus to build upon the great work of Dean Hirt and am humbled and excited by this opportunity to lead the School as it begins its next 50 years,” said Linebaugh.