#United States #Los Angeles #education leadership #Loyola Marymount #Dr. Kathleen Weaver

Loyola Marymount University’s New Leader in Academia

On January 6, 2026, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) announced the appointment of Kathleen "Kat" Weaver, Ph.D., as the executive vice president and provost of the university, marking a significant milestone in her career and the university’s administration. This decision followed her successful service as the interim provost since June 2025, demonstrating a smooth transition supported by the university community.

Dr. Weaver has been a pivotal figure at LMU since 2018, contributing significantly to various academic and administrative functions. In her previous roles, she has played an instrumental part in enhancing the onboarding process for new faculty members while ensuring comprehensive support systems for students, faculty, and staff alike. She has effectively advocated for various research and professional development opportunities which have yielded notable results, including several prestigious awards and significant funding for university initiatives.

Under her guidance, LMU has witnessed a remarkable increase in external grants, achieving a record $23.1 million awarded in the fiscal year 2025 alone. This achievement indicates a remarkable growth of 250% since her tenure began, along with a 300% increase in the number of investigators successfully securing grants. Such accomplishments underscore Dr. Weaver’s capacity to elevate LMU’s research profile, positioning the university as a rising star in higher education.

President Thomas Poon, Ph.D., remarked on Dr. Weaver's appointment, emphasizing her unique blend of scholarly insight, strategic vision, and data-driven decision-making. He noted that her leadership will enhance the learning environment across all educational settings at LMU, be it in classrooms, laboratories, or creative spaces, allowing students to explore ideas that lead them towards truth and service. Her commitment is aligned with LMU's mission of promoting educational equity and student success, particularly as the university holds designations as both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

Dr. Weaver has also championed the expansion of high-impact research opportunities, allowing over 550 students to engage in significant research endeavors yearly, with more than $1.3 million awarded in research funding. Her dedication to building a collaborative academic community focuses on holistic education, which aligns with the values LMU upholds since its foundation in 1911.

As an accomplished academic, Dr. Weaver earned her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her noteworthy research contributions to the fields of biodiversity and ecology make her a force in environmental science discourse. Furthermore, she has published extensively, including a statistics textbook aimed at enhancing hybrid learning strategies, underscoring her commitment to innovative educational approaches.

In her new role, Dr. Weaver expressed her enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to continue driving LMU towards greater heights. She is determined to foster an inclusive environment that prioritizes mission-driven excellence and a care-centered approach to education. Dr. Weaver's vision for LMU is one of unity, where faculty, staff, and students collaborate to create an enriching academic landscape where discovery and service thrive.

As LMU embarks on this new chapter under Dr. Weaver's leadership, the university community can look forward to continued excellence in education and a revitalized commitment to service and academic integrity. This appointment not only reflects her personal achievements but also sets the stage for the future trajectory of Loyola Marymount University.

About Loyola Marymount University

Among the top 10 Catholic educational institutions in the nation, Loyola Marymount University consistently ranks highly in myriad academic assessments, placing 6th among private colleges in California, according to U.S. News and World Report. With a student body encompassing 7,100 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate and law students spread across seven colleges and schools, LMU offers an expansive curriculum that includes 56 undergraduate majors, 57 minors, and numerous master's and doctoral programs. The university generates substantial economic impact, contributing $1.4 billion annually to the local economy, while also committing to athletic excellence with 14 NCAA Division I teams that embrace competition with integrity and pride.