LMU Names Thomas Poon as Executive Vice President and Provost

Poon is a professor of chemistry who served in many senior leadership positions at Pitzer College, including interim president, acting president and senior associate dean of faculty. He has written numerous peer-reviewed articles, and has received multiple National Science Foundation grants to investigate topics ranging from his S-STEM work in the molecular sciences and other projects aimed at integrating the sciences into curricula. His research and analyses on the American sweetgum tree have been referenced in academic publications and extensively reported by news media.

As an administrator at Pitzer, Poon supported, developed and led a broad range of academic and social initiatives, such as their study abroad programs, including the establishment of an exchange program in Bhutan; the development of hybrid programs in Vietnam and Brazil; the enhancement of a tropical field station in Costa Rica; and the reopening of a program in Nepal just eight months after two devastating earthquakes. He also expanded mentorship resources for first-year students and provided opportunities for incarcerated men to earn college course credits through a partnership with the California Rehabilitation Center.

"Professor Poon is an esteemed scholar, distinguished educator, and a proven academic leader. He has a track record for developing and supporting programs that encourage global imagination and social justice," Snyder said. "I am confident he will lead the university's academic and student development programs boldly and creatively. His energy, collaborative style, and penchant for innovation will accelerate LMU's momentum as an institution with global impact."

Poon currently holds tenured faculty positions at Pitzer College, Claremont McKenna College and Scripps College, allowing him to interact with students, faculty, staff and administrators at all three liberal arts institutions. He served for three years as convener of chemistry for the science department – a position equivalent to chair – and began as an assistant professor at the three colleges. He has co-authored several books and book chapters, including the text "Introduction to Organic Chemistry," now in its sixth edition.

"I am honored to join LMU as I am inspired by its mission and values – an institution that educates with purpose and seeks transformative social change," Poon said. "I resonate with LMU's commitment to prepare students to thrive as global citizens, thought leaders, professionals, and well-rounded persons for and with others. I look forward to working closely with LMU's world-class faculty and student development professionals to bring their ideas and experience to purposeful life."

Poon also served as a visiting scholar and assistant professor at Columbia University, assistant professor at Randolph-Macon College and postdoctoral fellow at Colby College. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry at UCLA and his Bachelor of Science degree at Fairfield University in chemistry.

Contact
Kristin Agostoni
310.338.2389
[email protected]

About Loyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount University, the University of Silicon Beach, is ranked in the top 10 percent of higher education institutions nationally by The Wall Street Journal. Founded in 1911, LMU is a Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount university with more than 6,100 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 graduate and law students. LMU offers 58 undergraduate majors and 53 minor programs, along with 46 master's degree programs, one education doctorate, one juris doctorate, one doctorate of juridical science and 13 credential/authorization programs. LMU's intercollegiate athletics teams compete in the West Coast Conference with 22 Division I and varsity sports. 

LMU news and events are found at: www.lmu.edu/news.

SOURCE Loyola Marymount University

Related Links

http://www.lmu.edu