Upe Flueckiger was named dean of Texas Tech University's College of Architecture, the university announced today (June 7). He will begin his new role July 1, 2022. 

Flueckiger has served as the college's interim dean for the past year and was one of four candidates considered for the position.

“Upe brings an excellent knowledge of the Texas Tech College of Architecture to this role,” said Provost and Senior Vice President Ron Hendrick. “I look forward to him implementing his vision and moving the college forward on several levels.”

Flueckiger, a native of Switzerland, came to Texas Tech in 1998 as a lecturer. Registered as a member of the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA), Flueckiger has practiced architecture internationally in Europe and North America. Much of his professional career has been focused on modular and small housing. His book, “How Much House? Thoreau, Le Corbusier, and the Sustainable Cabin,” examines the question of how much house a person needs. 

Flueckiger earned a certificate in construction design in Switzerland, and he then earned a master's degree in architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. 

He worked for several architectural firms in Switzerland including the office of Mario Botta in Lugano, Switzerland, and the office of David Rockwell in New York City.  

Since arriving at Texas Tech, Flueckiger has taught more than 100 courses to undergraduate and graduate architecture students. During that time, he also was awarded the Texas Tech Alumni Association New Faculty Award, the Professing Excellence Award, the Dr. Michael A. Jones Faculty and Staff Award, the President's Excellence in Teaching Award and was inducted into the Texas Tech University Teaching Academy, among other honors.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the next dean of the College of Architecture at Texas Tech,” Flueckiger said. “I look forward to leading the college to the next level and actualizing a more ecologically built environment using innovative technologies while teaching students how to think critically and creatively. I am excited to continue collaborating with faculty, staff and alumni to build a vibrant educational environment where we all can thrive and reach new academic and professional heights.”

tags: Academics, College of Architecture, Faculty, Feature Stories, Stories, TTU Features, provost

A new era of excellence is dawning at Texas Tech University as it stands on the cusp of being one of the nation's premier research institutions.

Research and enrollment numbers are at record levels, which cement Texas Tech's commitment to attracting and retaining quality students. In fall 2020, the university achieved a goal more than a decade in the making, reaching a total student population of more than 40,000. In 2018, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education again placed Texas Tech among its top doctoral universities in the nation in the “Very High Research Activity” category. Texas Tech is one of 94 public institutions nationally and 131 overall to achieve this prestigious recognition. 

Quality students need top-notch faculty. Texas Tech is home to a diverse, highly revered pool of educators who excel in teaching, research and service. The university strives to foster an environment that celebrates student accomplishment above all else.  Texas Tech is large enough to provide the best in facilities and academics but prides itself on being able to focus on each student individually. The momentum for excellence at Texas Tech has never been greater.

Architecture bridges the sciences with the arts. The College of Architecture offers dual degree programs with the College of Engineering and the Rawls College of Business.

Students can pursue career paths in design, construction, real estate development, construction product development and sales.

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The Office of Research and Innovation is tasked with facilitating excellence in research, scholarship and creative activity for Texas Tech students, faculty and staff. The office promotes an academic environment embracing creativity, curiosity, innovation, diversity, ethics and integrity.

Among other programs, the OR&I supports responsible and safe conduct of research, faculty development and recognition, interdisciplinary collaborations, externally sponsored research, partnerships with industry and community stakeholders, international research collaboration and the application of research for the benefit of society. The OR&I promotes a culture of creative expression, discovery, innovation and collaboration with the goal of advancing Texas Tech's status as an elite national research university.