Introducing President Poon

Brief Introductory Script for Internal Events

Thomas Poon serves as the seventeenth president of Loyola Marymount University. Under his leadership, LMU is shaping a future defined by innovation, purpose, and global impact, grounded in service, academic rigor, and fidelity to its Catholic mission in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions. Please join me in welcoming President Poon to the podium.

Abridged Introductory Script for Internal or External Events

I am pleased to introduce President Thomas Poon. Under his leadership, LMU is shaping a future defined by innovation, purpose, and global impact.

Since joining LMU as Executive Vice President and Provost in 2017, President Poon has led transformative advancements in academics and research. During that time, the university launched 21 new academic programs, increased support for faculty research and creative activity by more than 80 percent, earned a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, achieved Carnegie’s R2 research classification, and secured federal recognition as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institution, and designation from the State of California as a Black-Serving Institution.

A graduate of Fairfield University with a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from UCLA, President Poon previously served in senior leadership roles at the Claremont Colleges, including as interim president and senior associate dean of faculty.

As president, he has articulated a vision centered on expanding access and opportunity, building bridges between campus and community, and forming leaders through Ignatian excellence.

Please join me in welcoming President Thomas Poon.

Full Introductory Script for External Events

I am pleased to present Dr. Thomas Poon, who serves as president of Loyola Marymount University.

A scientist by training, an educator by vocation, and a Catholic leader formed by the Jesuit and Marymount traditions, President Poon leads LMU with a vision grounded in hope, expanded access, and the formation of leaders for and with others. His career reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, inclusive opportunity, and the enduring mission of Catholic higher education.

Since joining LMU in 2017 as Executive Vice President and Provost, the university has experienced a period of extraordinary academic growth and national recognition. Under his leadership, LMU earned a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, launched 21 new academic programs, increased support for faculty research and creative activity by more than 80 percent, achieved Carnegie’s R2 research classification, and received federal designations as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institution, and designation as a Black-Serving Institution by the State of California. Additionally, LMU has been designated as a “Program to Watch” by Excelencia in Education and has been repeatedly named to Phi Theta Kappa’s National Honor Roll for its support of academic and professional development for transfer students.

President Poon’s leadership is distinguished by his belief in the teacher-scholar model, where rigorous research and transformative teaching are mutually reinforcing. He has also emphasized global engagement and experiential learning, expanding partnerships and opportunities that prepare students to lead ethically in an interconnected world.

As president, Dr. Poon has articulated a clear vision for LMU: to expand access to an LMU education, to build bridges between campus and community, and to form leaders through Ignatian excellence. His work has strengthened philanthropic investment in scholarships and student success, advanced innovative partnerships across Los Angeles and beyond, and connected LMU’s mission to the cultural, civic, and global life of the region.

Please join me in welcoming the seventeenth president of Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Thomas Poon.