Reappointment of Tracy Johnson as Dean of the Division of Life Sciences

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Tracy Johnson as dean of the Division of Life Sciences in the UCLA College, following the completion of a customary five-year administrative review. Dean Johnson’s first term has been defined by transformational leadership, exceptional academic stewardship and a deep commitment to excellence in teaching and research.

Since 2020, Dean Johnson has led her division through a period of remarkable progress, despite unprecedented challenges. Within days of taking up her position, she launched the Out of the Box initiative to guide the implementation of evidence-based, inclusive teaching innovations in response to the pivot to remote learning during the pandemic. Over the course of her term, Dean Johnson oversaw the development and implementation of a strategic plan focused on scientific innovation and student success. Innovation and vision in the face of challenge has become a consistent feature of Dean Johnson’s leadership.

During Dean Johnson’s term, the division launched several new interdisciplinary research initiatives and deployed strategies to raise the visibility of the division’s research excellence. Under her leadership, 36 new faculty were hired, and she maintained a faculty retention rate of over 90%. To accommodate this faculty growth, she undertook and is currently overseeing critical capital improvement projects. Research support grew every year under her leadership through both federal and foundation support, and new endowed chairs were established.

Dean Johnson shepherded a number of other initiatives to improve instructional practices, including several in collaboration with the award-winning Center for Education Innovation & Learning in the Sciences (CEILS). From establishing mentorship pipelines to hosting celebrations for first-year and transfer students, Dean Johnson has championed undergraduate engagement at scale, with the division now serving more than 11,000 majors.

Culture, climate and community have been key priorities for Dean Johnson. More than 81% of her reappointment survey respondents strongly agree that she has advanced a culture of inclusive excellence in the division. Dean Johnson has also worked to resolve long-standing administrative issues and continues to oversee the development and support of deeply valued staff, despite budgetary challenges.

Faculty, staff, students, internal survey respondents and external reviewers have consistently praised Dean Johnson as a warm, accessible and visionary leader. Her work reflects the very best of UCLA’s mission to foster excellence, equity and impact in education and research.

Please join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to Dean Johnson on her well-earned reappointment.

Sincerely,

Darnell Hunt
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost