Sonia Hirt, dean of the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia since 2018, today announced her plans to step down from the position at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.
One of the world’s foremost scholars of land use and planning, Hirt will continue to serve as the Robert T. and Mary B. Hughes Professor in Landscape Architecture and Planning.
“Dean Hirt’s impact on the College of Environment and Design has touched every facet of our teaching, research and service missions,” said Benjamin C. Ayers, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “I am grateful for her leadership as dean, and I look forward to her continued positive contributions to the University of Georgia.”
During Hirt’s tenure as dean, the College of Environment and Design strengthened its position as one of the most respected landscape architecture, urban planning and historic preservation programs in the nation.
Enrollment in the college has grown by 33% under Hirt’s leadership, fueled by a renewed focus on recruitment and retention. She championed the development and launch of four new academic minor programs that generated interest in CED’s core disciplines among transfer students, dual degree students and prospective graduate students.
Hirt oversaw the creation of several new Double Dawgs dual degree tracks, which allow students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years or less. CED’s Double Dawg options include connections with anthropology, classics and history. She also worked with deans from the School of Public and International Affairs and the School of Law to establish new dual degree programs. These programs combine a master’s degree in urban planning and development with a Master of Public Administration or a Juris Doctor degree.
This semester, CED introduced a new undergraduate certificate in construction management. The certificate program will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of construction management with a focus on landscape architecture, historic preservation, engineering, business, real estate and law.
The college received significant alumni and private support under Hirt’s leadership, allowing it to expand undergraduate scholarships and graduate student fellowships. In fiscal year 2024 donors contributed $1.5 million to CED — 136% of the college’s goal.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve the College of Environment and Design and UGA in my capacity as dean, and I am proud of CED’s students, faculty and staff for their commitment and passion to shape and build a better world,” Hirt said. “I am deeply grateful to President Morehead and Provost Ayers for their outstanding leadership. It has been a privilege to be part of the CED and UGA families.”
Prior to joining UGA, Hirt served as professor and dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is the author of more than 90 scholarly and professional publications, including five books. Hirt has received several awards for her scholarship and research, including the highly prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship.
The university will soon launch a nationwide search for the next dean of the College of Environment and Design.