Dean of Continuing Education and UCLA Extension to Retire
UCLA Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
To: Administrative Officers, Deans, Department Chairs, Directors, Vice Chancellors and Vice Provosts, Instructors and Staff in UCLA Extension and Continuing Education
Dear Colleagues:
Wayne Smutz has informed me that he intends to retire as dean of Continuing Education and UCLA Extension effective October 31, 2018. Although his last day in the office will be July 31, Wayne has agreed to provide support for the transition of his leadership responsibilities until his retirement. We will also work with the staff and instructors to manage Extension’s operations and activities during this time. I will announce interim leadership shortly and commence a search for a new dean as soon as possible.
During his time at UCLA, Wayne focused his attention on several key issues, including modernizing the organization to become a competitive 21st century continuing education operation. Practically, this meant investing in transformative technology for student services, learning management, marketing, recruitment, enrollment management and finance; and moving Extension out of its seismically challenged building. UCLA Extension will be moving into its new open environment spaces at 10960 Wilshire Boulevard and 1145 Gayley Avenue this fall.
Increasing the reach of UCLA Extension has also been a priority for Wayne. Under his leadership, Extension opened a new facility in Woodland Hills in 2017 to serve adult learners in the San Fernando Valley, and launched pop-up classrooms in various neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Internationally, he was instrumental in creating a partnership with Zhengzhou University in China.
The fundamental goal for all of his work was to ensure that students are served effectively to meet the challenges and opportunities that come with living and working in Los Angeles. To that end, he created career services for Extension students. Through a partnership with the UCLA Alumni Association, he made it possible for UCLA graduates — both at the undergraduate and graduate levels — to take one Extension course for free after their graduation.
Chancellor Block and I are grateful for Wayne’s leadership as dean and wish him every success in his retirement.
Sincerely,
Scott L. Waugh
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost