Interior Design Director Elizabeth Pober was recently honored with the prestigious Logan Award during the 2025 Oklahoma Interior Design Awards, a fundraiser and celebration organized by the Oklahoma Interior Design Coalition (OIDC). Unlike most accolades presented at the event—which are awarded annually for design work—the Logan award is only presented when the selection committee determines that there is a recipient who has profoundly impacted interior design in Oklahoma. Melissa Park, past president of the Texas-Oklahoma chapter of the International Interior Design Association and Gibbs College alumn, and Katelyn Bell, president of the OIDC and Gibbs College alumn, presented the award to Director Pober in front of a crowd of nearly 200 interior design professionals.
Elizabeth Pober receives the Logan Award.
Elizabeth Pober has been with the Gibbs College of Architecture for 25 years, and has been the Director of Interior Design since 2017. In her time as director, she has transformed the department, bringing program accreditation and national rankings to the division.
McKenzie Matray, part of the selection committee noted,
“As a committee, we felt very strongly that Elizabeth’s work as Director of Interior Design at OU has truly impacted the interior design community in Oklahoma. She has made advocacy an integral part of the curriculum and showed students first-hand how important it is to advocate for your career. I can’t tell you how many of us (including myself) have been impacted by Elizabeth’s teaching – many of us would not be advocating for Interior Design if it wasn’t for our exposure to it during school through Elizabeth.”
The Logan Award is named after Brett Logan, the founder of the OIDC and a key figure in the history of interior design in the state of Oklahoma. In the award presentation speech, Park shared,
“Brett was an unwavering force that championed the interior design profession, tirelessly working to elevate and advocate for the field of interior design. His work paved the way for so many of us, and his leadership continues to inspire those who’ve followed in his footsteps. This award, the Logan Award, honors those whose dedication, leadership and commitment to the interior design profession furthers the industry and its desires in Oklahoma.”
Previous Logan award recipients include Brett Logan, Kristen Brumley, Vicki VanStavern, and Melissa Park.
Dr. Suchi Bhattacharjee, Associate Dean of Academic and College Administration for Gibbs College says, “Elizabeth Pober shapes the future of OU Interior Design program through her commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation. Her remarkable ability to inspire others while advancing the standards of our field demonstrates what dedicated service and visionary leadership can achieve.”
Congratulations, Director Pober!
Read the award presentation transcript.
Katelyn Bell: For decades Brett was an unwavering force that championed the interior design profession, tirelessly working to elevate and advocate for the field of interior design. His work paved the way for so many of us, and his leadership continues to inspire those who’ve followed in his footsteps. This award, the Logan Award, honors those whose dedication, leadership and commitment to the interior design profession furthers the industry and its desires in Oklahoma.
Melissa Park: Tonight we are proud to honor an individual who embodies the same qualities in every sense of the word. The recipient of this year’s Logan Award is not just a leader, she is a beacon of excellence and a tireless advocate for the field of interior design. As she just celebrated her 20th year of service at the University of Oklahoma, she has fostered growth for countless students, inspired generations of interior designers, and in doing so has left a profound and lasting impact on the profession.
Her leadership both inside and outside of the classroom has made an indelible mark, and her unwavering commitment to the integrity and advancement of interior design is nothing short of remarkable.
As our professor, she was both our greatest supporter and our strongest motivator. She stood by us during our struggles and celebrated with us in our triumphs, always encouraging us to grow and reach higher. And when I say she was always there for us I mean it, she literally helped me take shelter during a tornado once.
Katelyn Bell: As a mentor, she has not only helped me throughout my career, but she has been a true inspiration – this is the part where I said I wasn’t going to cry, but who knows. She has been a true inspiration of what it means to be an advocate, a mother, and a friend. She supported me through life’s highs and lows, always offering me support, encouragement, and wisdom. No matter how full her schedule, how many emails were in her inbox, or if she’s had time to each lunch or not – which I can say there’s many times she told me she hasn’t, and I said, “well eat something!” And I know it’s the same for countless others, that’s just who she is.
Her dedication for her students goes far beyond the classroom, not just for four years, but for life. I can think of no one more worthy of this honor. Her ability to inspire those around her, her dedication to her craft, and her continued advocacy for the profession make her a natural recipient for this esteemed award.
So please join us in congratulating this year’s Logan Award, the Director of the Division of Interior Design, Elizabeth Pober.
Read congratulatory quotes from friends, students, and colleagues.
I have been fortunate to know Elizabeth first as a professor, then as a friend, and now as a leader and colleague. Her dedication to this division, our alumni, students and faculty is both unwavering and unmatched. She pours the entirety of her soul into the betterment of us all; continuing to strive for improvements each and every year. We are fortunate to have her strength of leadership, generosity of time and effort, and kindness of heart. I can think of no one more deserving for this accolade than my friend and mentor, Elizabeth!
Congratulations Director Pober! You have been an amazing mentor and role model for me through all four years.
Elizabeth exemplifies true leadership—deeply caring for and committed to the success of those around her. Her impact reaches beyond the classroom, resonating both academic community and interior design industry. Through her dedication to excellence and mentorship, she has shaped a generation of designers and elevated the standards of our field.
Congratulations to one of the very best! Elizabeth is constantly proving that she is extremely invested in the Interior Design student’s futures and shows this day in and day out with her dedication to running a very successful program. She is truly a brilliant mind, and the discipline would be lost without her. Her kindness and empathy make her special and she deserves all the recognition in the world. I am so lucky to work with and learn from her each and every day.
I am continually inspired by Elizabeth, whose unwavering support nurtures the unique visions and research of each faculty member, while also fostering a sense of belonging and growth for every student—making our college feel like both a home and a family.
Your mentorship has shaped lives and strengthened our program. Many of us have grown not only professionally but personally thanks to your steady guidance. Your impact is lasting and reaches far beyond the studio walls.
You’ve raised the bar for what interior design education can be for us all. You pour your heart into this program, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for Director Pober’s exceptional mentorship and leadership. She has dedicated countless hours to guiding me through various aspects of daily life, academic activities, professional challenges, and personal endeavors. Her unwavering support and encouragement have had a significant impact on my academic success. Director Pober stands out as a leader who leads with kindness, a welcoming attitude, and a reasonable tone. Her ability to mentor junior faculty with such grace and positivity is truly remarkable. She has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation, and her guidance has been invaluable to me. I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate her on her achievements and to share some positive comments and anecdotes that highlight her exceptional qualities. Her continuous support and endless encouragement have made a profound difference in my journey, and I am deeply grateful for her mentorship.
Working for Director Pober for the past year has truly been such a blessing. I am so thankful for her continued support and kindness, our weekly meetings always leave me smiling and feeling empowered. She is so deserving of this award, congratulations!