Dr. Yan Appointed as Interim Dept. Head of Architecture
Dr. Wei Yan, a longtime professor and nationally recognized researcher in computational design and artificial intelligence in the field of architecture, has been named interim head of the Department of Architecture at Texas A&M University. Yan officially stepped into the role on July 8.
Yan, who holds the William M. Peña professorship in information management and directs the Ph.D. and M.S. in architecture research programs, brings deep knowledge of architectural technology and academic leadership to the position.
He said his first thought after being appointed was: “This is going to be very different from what I have been doing in the past 20 years.”
Yan said his priorities as a leader are clear. He hopes to maintain strong departmental operations while supporting the faculty, staff and students who make up its community.
“During this transitional period, I will focus on fulfilling the responsibilities of the interim role by facilitating the department’s operations in support of these missions and helping address questions and issues in the department,” he said.
A Global Scholar and Academic Leader
Originally from Tianjin, China, Yan earned his Ph.D. in architecture and M.S. in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and studied computer-aided architectural design at ETH Zurich. He also holds both an M.E. in architectural technology and science, with a B.E. in architecture from Tianjin University.
Since joining the Texas A&M College of Architecture in 2005, he has led federally funded research in building information modeling, augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
The National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities and others have supported his projects.
Yan’s Vision for the Architecture Department
Though best known for his groundbreaking work as a researcher, Yan sees the importance of his new role as a people-centered leader.
“What I’m learning to do for this new role is to learn how to better listen to faculty, to listen to different opinions,” he said. “Integrating different views … to be transparent while achieving efficiency.”
In addition to his research, Yan has served in key leadership roles within the department, including directing research programs and chairing faculty committees. He said those experiences shaped his approach to management to help colleagues organize tasks.
Yan said he also believes in the importance of methodology, not just for research and teaching innovation, but for increasing productivity and quality of service.
Serving in an interim capacity, Yan said he hopes to build continuity and stability as the department looks ahead, making this transition as smooth and productive as possible. Yan said he appreciates the support he has received from the department and the College of Architecture.
“I look forward to talking with you in person soon and working together in the new academic year.”
Yan will continue his research and graduate mentoring while in the role and plans to return to his faculty office after the one-year appointment ends.
