Twelve new full-time faculty join College of Arts + Architecture
The College of Arts + Architecture is pleased to welcome 12 new full-time faculty in the 2026-27 academic year.
Joining the David R. Ravin School of Architecture
Jennifer Brooks, Assistant Professor of Urban Design
Jennifer Brooks is a licensed landscape architect and project manager with Mecklenburg County, where she has led projects focused on community advocacy and resilient ecological systems. Her professional experience in San Francisco and North Carolina, combined with prior teaching at University of California, Berkeley, and the David R. Ravin School of Architecture, strongly supports the SoA’s “Engaged City” mission.
Frank Ordia, Assistant Professor of Architecture
Frank Ordia, a specialist in historic preservation, planning and real estate development, comes to the SoA from Clemson University’s Charleston Center. His research examines tax incentives and the economic development of historic urban environments. His work will enhance the M.S. in Architecture with a concentration in Critical Heritage and interdisciplinary initiatives through the Center for Community, Heritage and the Arts.
Kendra Ordia, Assistant Professor of Interior Design
Kendra Ordia comes to UNC Charlotte from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she served as associate professor. Her research explores biophilic design, biomaterials and life-centric well-being, informed by professional experience at national firms including Gensler and Perkins & Will. Her expertise aligns closely with the SoA’s focus on emergent material practices and regenerative systems design.
Vincent Petrarca, Lecturer in Design & Practice
Vincent Petrarca, AIA, joins the SoA as lecturer in design and practice. A partner at Katherine Hogan Architects, he brings the rare perspective of both licensed architect and general contractor, emphasizing fabrication, material exploration and hands-on learning. His professional and teaching experience at NC State and Syracuse University reflects a deeply collaborative approach that will enrich the SoA’s culture of innovation and design excellence.
Ozan Sen, Assistant Professor of Urban Design
Ozan Sen joins UNC Charlotte from the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture. His work examines the relationship between public space, ecological systems and digital technologies through innovative data-driven design tools. With professional experience at SWA Group and an international design portfolio, his work will strengthen the SoA’s leadership in urban research and the school’s “Computed Environment” area.
Joining the Department of Art & Art History
Dajana Nedić, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
Dajana Nedić comes to UNC Charlotte from Virginia Tech, where she was an assistant professor of graphic design. Her research interests include investigating current and emerging technologies related to speculative/discursive design, developing curriculum related to evolving design futures, and exploring critique methods and their influence on learning experiences and outcomes.
Anna Schum-Houck, Lecturer in Graphic Design
Anna Schum-Houck is a designer whose portfolio spans work for large and small brands, illustrations, book design and personal projects. She studies climate design with the New Wave Research Project. She will teach foundations and introduction courses, brand systems, package design and illustration.
Kimberly Thomas, Lecturer in Art Education
Kimberly Thomas will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in art education and supervise teacher candidates as they develop their identities as reflective, research-informed art educators. A former K-12 public school art teacher, her scholarship examines teacher learning, informal professional development, systems thinking and the ways online communities support the professional growth of art educators.
Joining the Department of Dance
Billy J. Hawkains, Lecturer in Contemporary Dance and Creative Practice
Billy J. Hawkains III is a choreographer, educator and certified master teacher of Safety Release, a comprehensive approach to dance technique developed by B.J. Sullivan. His choreography has been presented at universities, festivals, residencies and on screen throughout the Southeast. He has worked extensively in rehearsal direction, research and repertory preservation through his more than 15-year association with Theatre of Movement.
Poah West Portillo, Music Director and Lab Manager for Dance
Poah West is a multi-instrumentalist musician who has played for the American Dance Festival, Duke University, Meredith College, UNC Greensboro, Texas Woman’s College, University of North Texas, Tarrant County College NorthWest, Texas Dance Improvisation Festival and the Living Arts Collective.
Joining the Department of Music
Diogo Salmeron Carvalho, Assistant Professor of Music – Entrepreneurship & Technology
Diogo Carvalho is an accomplished guitarist and award-winning composer who has founded and directed multiple international music festivals. He comes to UNC Charlotte from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he served as an assistant professor, and joins the music department to support the development of an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on the intersection of music, business innovation and technology.
Joining the Department of Theatre
Jennifer Bradford, Lecturer of Acting and New Media
Jennifer Bradford is an actor, director, teacher and project manager with a long list of stage credits in Chicago and across California. In addition to performing and directing, she is a current member of the Actor’s Reading Collective and a former project manager for The Ambassadors Circle, a San Francisco-based collective of creatives, freelancers and social entrepreneurs.