Dr. Patrick Suermann to Conclude Term as Interim Dean
After more than three years of service, Dr. Patrick Suermann will conclude his role as interim dean of the Texas A&M College of Architecture on June 30.
Appointed in January 2022, Suermann has led the college through a period of steady growth and rising academic momentum. His leadership focused on expanding student opportunities, strengthening industry partnerships and increasing the college’s visibility beyond the Texas A&M campus.
Suermann will spend the next year on leave before returning to Texas A&M. “I am looking forward to reinvigorating my research and focusing on my work and my family more than I have since 2017, when I first became construction science’s department head,” he said.
Despite many achievements, Suermann said what he was most proud of was his connection with the college’s community. Through frequent LinkedIn posts and college communications, such as his dean’s messages, he highlighted the achievements of students, faculty and staff.
“I am most proud of everyone else and lucky to have been able to be entrusted with caring for our great team and operations,” Suermann said.
Under his leadership, the college nearly doubled its scholarship funding. The college’s endowment also grew by 20 percent, providing additional resources to support academic programs and student success.
Research activity hit record highs during his term. According to Suermann, the college is now supporting more doctoral students through funded research projects than ever before.
Industry engagement also increased significantly. Suermann helped launch the new Construction Field Lab (CFL) at Texas A&M-RELLIS, where students will engage in hands-on construction classes. The CFL received major support from former students and industry partners.
Starting this fall, students will participate in applied construction courses at the lab, offering an experience that Suermann said was previously only offered at the Constructionarium site in the UK.
Suermann also made it a priority to ensure that each department maintained a strong connection to industry through advisory councils. Now, each department has its own council. These groups — including the A+IAC, CIAC, LAND PAB, DIAC and PLANPAC — are made up of former students and professionals who advise on curriculum, support scholarships and open doors to internships or employment.
Thanks to these partnerships, the college has hosted its largest career fairs to date, giving students direct access to a growing network of employers.
Suermann also encouraged a strong spirit of competition across the college. In recent years, students have earned more national titles and honors than ever before.
