Dear Colleagues:
I am writing to share that Lin Zhan will conclude her tenure as dean of the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing on July 31, 2026. The search for the next dean will commence in the 2026–27 academic year. As such, we will identify an interim dean in the coming weeks who will serve for approximately one year, beginning Aug. 1, 2026.
Through our usual process for identifying interim dean candidates, I will be in touch with School of Nursing leadership and faculty with details on how to submit recommendations for potential candidates.
Since joining UCLA in 2021, Dean Zhan has led the school in its mission to improve health, wellness, quality of life, and nursing care for people locally and globally. During her tenure, Southern California entrepreneur and UCLA alumnus Joe C. Wen and his family made a $30 million commitment to the school — the largest in its 76-year history. The gift will help ensure the school’s excellence and impact for years to come by supporting nursing education, elevating student achievement and driving innovation in nursing research.
We appreciate Dean Zhan’s service to the school and to UCLA during her time in this role. Please join Chancellor Frenk and me in wishing her success in her future professional pursuits. I look forward to keeping the community updated as the search for our next dean progresses.
Sincerely,
Darnell Hunt
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost