A New Chapter Begins

Dear LMU Community,

Today, I proudly begin my service as Loyola Marymount University's 17th president, energized by profound gratitude, deep humility, and a hopeful spirit. It is an honor to lead this university — a community that has already shaped me in lasting ways, and one that I am eager to serve with dedication and care.

In my time as provost, working alongside you, I have experienced firsthand the vibrancy, generosity, and brilliance that define LMU. Ours is a university driven by mission, meaning, and momentum. Now, as president, I embrace this new role with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.

That purpose is grounded in our Catholic identity, rooted deeply in our Jesuit and Marymount educational traditions, and animated by our three sponsoring religious communities. These historical roots are beacons that guide us: They challenge us to live with integrity, to lead with empathy, and to act for justice. By prioritizing relationship, bridge-building, collaboration, and partnership with a focus on the common good; through respect for and inclusion of all peoples, cultures, and faith traditions; and by seeking and finding God's will in all things, we will be unstoppable.

We will cultivate a university that offers an outstanding educational experience for our students, where academic rigor, justice, and faith flourish in harmony. We commit to supporting the teacher-scholar model, where groundbreaking research, innovation, and creativity are integrated with transformative teaching and a deep commitment to student success. We will strengthen our investment in faculty development, staff excellence, and student well-being, knowing that each is essential to the whole.

We will redouble our efforts to form our students into the most sought-after graduates — ethical, skilled, and adaptable leaders ready to meet the needs of today's employers and shape the workforce of tomorrow. Their success is our mission in action. It is our legacy and our promise.

To realize these aspirations, I pledge to devote my energy, time, and heart to this extraordinary university. You will see me across our campuses — listening, learning, engaging, and building — together. I will be present with students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, benefactors, and partners, because our collective wisdom and shared commitment will drive LMU forward.

I will be tireless in securing the resources we need to fulfill our vision. Fundraising will be a personal priority, one rooted in our values and powered by our potential. As a community, we will amplify what makes LMU distinctive, expand access and opportunity, and fuel the ambitions of our students and faculty. We will tell our story with authenticity, celebrating our impact, elevating our mission, and inviting others to join us in shaping LMU's future.

Above all, I will lead with humility, resolve, and hope. Humility in knowing I follow in the footsteps of remarkable leaders and walk alongside a community of passionate changemakers. Resolve in meeting challenges with courage and action. And hope — a deep, abiding hope — that LMU's brightest days are ahead, and that we will shape them, together.

Let's continue to be the light the world needs. Let's dream boldly. Let's get to work.

With gratitude and excitement,

Thomas Poon, Ph.D.
President