Dr. Thomas Poon
Poon has served as LMU's executive vice president and provost, shaping nearly every aspect of academic life. Under his leadership, LMU achieved Carnegie R2 status, expanded tenure-line faculty diversity, launched new academic programs, and advanced major strategic goals.
A tenured professor of chemistry, Poon is a nationally recognized educator, researcher, and author. His work in science education — supported by multiple NSF grants — has improved hybrid learning, increased STEM representation, and produced widely used pedagogical tools. Prior to LMU, Poon served in academic and executive roles at Pitzer College, including interim president. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from UCLA and his bachelor's degree from Fairfield University.
