Mark Mistur, AIA, will become the new dean of Kent State University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design, the only architectural program in Northeast Ohio, effective July 15, 2016, the university said. Mistur currently serves as associate dean of the School of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.

Mistur shared his enthusiasm for joining Kent State’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design, which will occupy a new $47.9 million building that is currently under construction and scheduled to be open for fall 2016 classes.

“The College of Architecture and Environmental Design at Kent State is by all indicators a vibrant learning community, dedicated to professional excellence and making positive contributions to the built environment at every scale,” Mistur said. “The mix of programs, excellent faculty and outstanding students proved an irresistible mix. Opening an extraordinary new facility demonstrates a strong commitment to the college and to design excellence on the part of the university leadership and its alumni.”

Mistur will succeed Douglas L. Steidl, who previously announced his plans to retire this summer. Steidl has held the dean position with the college since July 2010.

Mistur has served as associate dean of Rensselaer’s School of Architecture since 2009, and he previously held the same position from 1998-2005. He also served as the school’s acting dean from 2008-2009. He has served as an associate professor of architecture since 2005 and as an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering in its School of Engineering since 2008. Prior to that, he has served as a clinical associate professor, senior lecturer, adjunct associate professor, adjunct assistant professor and adjunct instructor, dating back to 1983.

At Rensselaer, Mistur received a bachelor of architecture, a bachelor of building science and a master of science in building conservation. He also studied at Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich in Switzerland. He has been a registered and licensed architect since 1988.