Thomas Poon, Ph.D., is the 17th President of Loyola Marymount University, assuming the role on June 1, 2025. A transformative educator and visionary leader, President Poon has devoted his career to advancing academic excellence, inclusive innovation, and the mission of Catholic higher education in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions.
Since joining LMU in 2017 as Executive Vice President and Provost, President Poon has been instrumental in propelling the university to new heights in scholarly distinction and research innovation, significantly enhancing its national and global stature. His leadership ushered in the introduction of 21 new academic programs in fields such as business analytics and computer science, alongside a more than 80% increase in support for research and creative endeavors. During his tenure, LMU achieved and maintained a Carnegie R2 classification, positioning the university as a premier research institution, and earned federal recognition as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
President Poon earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Fairfield University and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles. His academic and administrative expertise was honed through numerous leadership roles at Pitzer College, including Interim President and Senior Associate Dean of Faculty, where he excelled in shared governance, faculty development, and strategic planning.
His deep commitment to inclusivity and global engagement is evident in his efforts to diversify LMU’s tenure-line faculty and expand the university’s global reach. Under his leadership, LMU significantly increased study abroad participation and forged a range of strategic international partnerships, aligning with the university’s mission to educate ethical global citizens. His leadership in Jesuit higher education will continue through his service on the Coordinating Board for the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) Assembly in 2027.
A champion of student-centered initiatives, President Poon has advanced programs that elevate student well-being, belonging, and success. These include the launch of the Summer Internship Fund, the establishment of dedicated student success centers, and the development of innovative learning environments such as LMU’s Playa Vista Campus. His vision also extends to impactful regional and community collaborations, particularly LMU’s ongoing partnership with the Los Angeles Rams, alongside other key cultural and educational alliances.
As he prepares to lead LMU into a new era, President Poon is celebrated for his transformative leadership, grounded in a life of service, academic rigor, and unwavering fidelity to the mission of the university. Together with his wife, Cathy, and daughter, Sophie, President Poon is poised to guide LMU toward a future rich in innovation, purpose, and global impact—embodying the values of wisdom, integrity, and visionary foresight.