UCLA appoints Lionel Popkin dean of School of Arts and Architecture

The UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture has announced the appointment of Lionel Popkin as its next dean. The appointment will take effect on May 1st, 2026.

Popkin, who has been a member of the UCLA Arts faculty since 2006, has served as interim dean since February 2024. His previous leadership roles within the school include chair of the Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance (2015–2018) and associate dean for academic affairs (2021–2024). He has also held advisory and committee positions across the university, including chairing the UCLA Chancellor’s Council on the Arts and serving on the Undergraduate Council and Council on Research.

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During his tenure as interim dean, Popkin oversaw several institutional initiatives, including efforts to expand student scholarship endowments and increase support for faculty research. He also led the revitalization of the school’s board, intro...