September 21, 2015
I am pleased to inform you that President Nikias has offered Dean Elizabeth Daley another five-year term as dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and that Dean Daley has accepted this offer. This decision followed a comprehensive review of Dean Daley’s leadership of the school.
Throughout the review process, Dean Daley was commended for her high standards of scholarly and creative excellence over her nearly 25 years of service in the dean’s role. She has built USC’s reputation as the preeminent school for the study of cinema and television production, critical studies, cinematic writing, animation, and new media. Dean Daley has integrated the school with Los Angeles’ dynamic entertainment industry, positioning USC as the top producer of ambitious new talent. More recently, Dean Daley has placed the school at the cutting edge for new modes of storytelling related to interactive and digital media, including a collaboration with the Viterbi School to create the world’s top-ranked Games program.
Furthermore, she was acknowledged for fundraising accomplishments that have greatly advanced the School. Over the past few years, Cinematic Arts has seen a significant increase in endowed chairs, which has helped to attract some of the most talented faculty working in the field today. Dean Daley provided leadership in using the transformative gift from George Lucas to construct world-class buildings for the school, equipped with technology rivaling that found at leading movie and media organizations. And she has actively engaged alumni, attracting significant support for scholarships, programs, and facilities.
I want to thank the many faculty and staff who sent detailed letters providing thoughtful input on Dean Daley’s performance. I have summarized your comments and have communicated them to her, including areas for improvement.
Please join President Nikias and me in extending congratulations to Dean Daley as she continues in this leadership role. I am confident she will continue to make significant contributions to USC and the School of Cinematic Arts. I look forward to working with her, and with you, as we continue to pursue our goal of becoming the great global private research university of the 21st century that serves the public good.
cc: C. L. Max Nikias
President’s Cabinet
Provost’s Cabinet
Academic Senate