Harry W. Porter, Jr. Visiting Professorship

The Harry W. Porter, Jr. Chair Distinguished Visiting Professorship is being established by an ongoing campaign (begun in 2003) in the School co-chaired by Professor Reuben Rainey and Lecturer Nancy Takahashi in honor of the “unforgettable” Harry W. Porter, Jr., former Dean of the School of Architecture and Architect for the University as well as the founder of our program in Landscape Architecture whose career at UVa spanned more than two decades.

Celebrated by alumni, faculty and friends of the School, Harry Porter has been described by former students as a man of “sharp wit, quiet modesty, and engaging teaching …[who] was a central and ever present guiding figure in the halls and in the studio.” His studios were known for tackling complex urban design issues and imparting a strong environmental ethic and powerful sense of professionalism on the students in them.

As a reflection of Harry’s contributions to all of the School’s departments, each year, the professorship will cycle to another of the four disciplines.

Professorships