Deaths: Doug Gills, CUPPA

Doug Gills

Doug Gills, 69, associate professor emeritus of urban planning and policy, died March 31 in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Gills joined the UIC faculty in 1994 as assistant professor of urban planning and policy and was promoted to associate professor in 2002. He retired in 2012.

During his career, he taught a variety of courses, including professional planning practice; cultural heritage tourism; race and class issues in planning; history and theory in planning; community development; and urban space, place and institutions.

He also teamed with colleagues and others to co-teach courses covering topics involving Chicago, politics, race, planning and social movements.

Former colleague John Betancur said Gills smoothly incorporated social equity and academics.

“We worked together in the development of transformative race relations by both gathering positive experiences from throughout U.S. cities and bringing together leaders in our communities to explore collaborations across races,” said Betancur, professor of urban planning and policy.

“He believed in the need for practice theory that could help with the transformation of society toward a more equitable and human American society of communities of belief and sharing.”

Gills was director of graduate studies in urban planning and policy for several years and served on many department, college and university committees.

Prior to his faculty appointment, he was an assistant research associate in the Center for Urban Economic Development from 1991 to 1994.

“Doug was a kind and compassionate man and will be missed by many,” said Michael Pagano, dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs. “Our CUPPA family extends deepest sympathy to his sons and family.”

He is survived by his sons, Raymond and Scott, two sisters, and four grandchildren.

Services have been held.