Liz MacLean is the 2023-24 Outstanding Alumni Award winner

MacLean began her undergraduate career in the Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) program in 1997. After spending a few years in ISAT, MacLean realized she needed a change and searched for advice before switching to SADAH. "Luckily, Bill Tate had just started the Industrial Design program – a mix of art, interior design, and science classes," shares MacLean. "I remained at JMU, switched to an Interior Design major, graduated on time, and developed a portfolio to apply to graduate schools." By switching directions and moving to SADAH, MacLean could work with Tate and take Industrial Design classes while also pursuing an Interior Design major, which would later become Interior Architecture, before transitioning to its current form as Architectural Design. 

After earning her degree from JMU, MacLean moved across the country to start graduate studies at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) in the Fall of 2001. There, she studied alongside "peers who came to architecture from all different backgrounds," and worked at Frank Gehry’s office. She credits SADAH with preparing her for these experiences and instilling a deep appreciation for design. MacLean earned her Master of Architecture from SCI-Arc in 2006 and now works as a Principal at Architectural Resources Group’s Los Angeles office. There, she specializes in projects relating to historic buildings.