Reappointment of Brett Steele as Dean of the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture

Dear Colleagues:

Following the customary administrative review, I write to share that Brett Steele has been reappointed as the dean of the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture for a three-year term.

The review committee found Dean Steele to be an accessible, collaborative leader who has endeavored to expand the school’s footprint in the Los Angeles region through several important initiatives. Dean Steele played a major part in the 2018 acquisition of what will be known as the Nimoy Theater, a new venue for contemporary performance in Westwood. He oversaw completion of the UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Arts Studios in Culver City in 2019. Additionally, with his support, the Visual and Performing Arts Education Program has become a resource for UCLA students to share their artistic passions with the community at large, deepen their ties to Los Angeles and explore career opportunities.

Dean Steele also played a formative role in establishing the Chancellor’s Council on the Arts and expanding its representation, as well as supporting the launch of the school’s successful 10 Questions series.

Dean Steele has prioritized cultivating an environment at the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture that centers equity, diversity and inclusion. In 2020, he and his leadership team spearheaded the formation of the Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (AEDI) Commission. The commission’s work — which covered training and professional development; curriculum; structure, accountability, restoration and recruitment; and development and communications — yielded a robust framework and plan to guide the school forward in incorporating AEDI values into its foundation.

Chancellor Block and I are grateful for Dean Steele’s leadership, and look forward to working with him to further develop his vision for the school and advance arts and architecture education, research, public outreach and programming at UCLA.

Please join me in congratulating Dean Steele on his accomplishments over the past several years and in wishing him future success.

Sincerely,

Michael S. Levine
Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost